One of the lingering questions from this game, especially from Chargers fans, will be the mysterious disappearance of All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

Tomlinson hyper-extended his left knee early in San Diego's win over the Colts, and did not return to the game. But after the game, he declared that he'd be ready to go for the AFC title game in New England. The running back did not practice on Wednesday, but participated fully on Thursday and Friday, and when the Chargers released their injury report on Friday evening, Tomlinson was not listed. Not as doubtful, as quarterback Philip Rivers was, or questionable, or even probable.

He started the game and was given the ball on San Diego's first two snaps, gaining five yards. Tomlinson caught a one-yard pass on the Chargers' next possession and jawed a bit with Rodney Harrison after the ensuing play but wasn't seen on the field again.

Instead, he sat on the San Diego bench, his dark visor covering his eyes. It was announced in the press box that he could return to the game; on television, it was deemed a coach's decision.

"LT tried to go and he just couldn't go," San Diego coach Norv Turner said. "The pain in the knee, what he felt, he couldn't push off and he couldn't go."

Asked what was different that Tomlinson practiced but then couldn't play in the biggest game of his career, Turner said it was playing a live defense.

"He ran and cut and every day got better and felt he could go, but there's a lot of difference when you lower your shoulder and run into a 300 pound guy as compared to running and cutting and splitting against air," he said.

Turner got defensive when asked what other Chargers players might think about Tomlinson given that Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates, dealing with a dislocated big toe, played the game but he did not, calling it the "stupidest thing to ask."

When asked to confirm that Tomlinson was indeed not on the team's Friday report, Turned evaded the question.

"LT did not practice Wednesday. He had limited practice on Thursday [he was listed as full participation on the official report]. He practiced on Friday, OK? He wasn't able to go. He tried to go."

After the game, Tomlinson said he hopes to be fine with rest.