Tomlinson & Rivers Hurt

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson left Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts with a bruised knee. Tomlinson was hurt with just under 10 minutes to play in the first half of the Chargers' 28-24 victory. He was hit by Marlin Jackson at the end of an 8-yard run. Quarterback Philip Rivers also was injured and forced out of the game on the final play of the third quarter.

The 2006 league MVP, Tomlinson was seen rubbing the inside of his left knee on the sideline and later riding a stationary bike. While the team announced his return as probable, Tomlinson never left the sideline. After the game, Tomlinson said he thought he could have went back into the game, but the knee stiffened up on him and the decision was made to keep him out.

Rivers was injured on a seemingly harmless play. He threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles on the final play of the third quarter, but appeared to land awkwardly and limped off the field. Backup Billy Volek replaced Rivers and led the go-ahead touchdown drive, capping it with a 1-yard sneak with 5:17 left to play. Rivers insisted he was fine and said he could have gone back in if needed - but did not want to break Volek's rhythm. "It's nothing with the left knee," Rivers said. "It was an injury from Tennessee and I'm not sure how it happened, but it's fine."

Michael Turner replaced Tomlinson and rushed for 71 yards on 17 carries. Coach Norv Turner said both players will be listed as questionable for next week's AFC championship game at the New England Patriots.