crush17
12-10-2007, 01:46 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3148701
Three-time Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, the lead blocker for San Diego Chargers' star tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, will be sidelined indefinitely after fracturing his right fibula in Sunday's overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans.
Lorenzo Neal
Neal
A 15-year veteran, Neal sustained the injury early in the fourth quarter.
The Chargers (8-5), who lead the AFC West by two games, are likely to conduct more tests on Neal, but might delay placing him on injured reserve to see if he can recover in time for the playoffs. The fibula is the smaller of the two major bones in the leg and, since it is not a weight-bearing bone, surgery is not necessary and recovery times can sometimes be relatively short.
"I know he's a little bit older, but hopefully he can recover like a young man," Tomlinson said of his escort.
Neal, 36, has never carried more than 30 times in a season, but has been the lead blocker for 11 straight 1,000-yard rushers. He is known for being able to tie up linebackers in the run game and is also solid in pass protection.
The former Fresno State standout has appeared in 224 games in stints with New Orleans (1993-96), the New York Jets (1997), Tampa Bay (1998), Tennessee (1999-2000), Cincinnati (2001-2002) and San Diego (2003-2007).
In 15 seasons, Neal has carried 214 times for 782 yards and six touchdowns. He also has 192 receptions for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Three-time Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, the lead blocker for San Diego Chargers' star tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, will be sidelined indefinitely after fracturing his right fibula in Sunday's overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans.
Lorenzo Neal
Neal
A 15-year veteran, Neal sustained the injury early in the fourth quarter.
The Chargers (8-5), who lead the AFC West by two games, are likely to conduct more tests on Neal, but might delay placing him on injured reserve to see if he can recover in time for the playoffs. The fibula is the smaller of the two major bones in the leg and, since it is not a weight-bearing bone, surgery is not necessary and recovery times can sometimes be relatively short.
"I know he's a little bit older, but hopefully he can recover like a young man," Tomlinson said of his escort.
Neal, 36, has never carried more than 30 times in a season, but has been the lead blocker for 11 straight 1,000-yard rushers. He is known for being able to tie up linebackers in the run game and is also solid in pass protection.
The former Fresno State standout has appeared in 224 games in stints with New Orleans (1993-96), the New York Jets (1997), Tampa Bay (1998), Tennessee (1999-2000), Cincinnati (2001-2002) and San Diego (2003-2007).
In 15 seasons, Neal has carried 214 times for 782 yards and six touchdowns. He also has 192 receptions for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns.