Coveted LaDanian Tomlinson Back-Up Gig Suddenly Up for Grabs in San Diego

There are plenty of reasons why a lesser known or younger running back would want to be LaDanian Tomlinson's backup. Thirty four and a half (fifteen of which are guaranteed) just for starters, in case you happened to miss the ridiculous deal the Falcons gave to Michael Turner.

Short speedster Darren Sproles appeared to be the heir apparent heading into this year, even if he's not a bruiser, but it appears that uber-genius Norvell Turner may be hearting LSU rook Jacob Hester quite a bit early.

"It's early," Chargers head coach Norv Turner said. "I just want those guys to play. I want them to have a chance to compete and play. They're all good players. This is a great experience for them."

Hester finished with 13 carries for 49 yards and two touchdowns.

Sproles did not play in the second half and finished with seven yards on five carries.

That seems like a typical Non-Committal Norv to me in terms of the quote, but in terms of the carries, well, it looks pretty obvious. And yes, I am aware that it's week one of the preseason; but the fact of the matter is that Sproles serves best as a change of pace back if your starter is a straight bruiser.

Hester on the other hand, is a very nice compliment to LDT in that he can come in and pound out some tough yards when Tomlinson needs a breather. None of that is to say that Sproles won't be a factor -- I would imagine Norv uses him plenty in situations and formations that suit his best physical characteristic: speed.

And it's also not to say that whoever wins the immediate backup role is an automatic impact player, but Turner, by playing off of LT, developed into the "best backup in football", so it's certainly a pretty

Fantasy Spin: If you're into the whole handcuffing thing (we don't judge anyone's fetishes here , after all, we're down with taking certain Sunday afternoon liberties ... bring your friends, flexible, etc.) whoever wins this gig is a decent handcuff. (Sproles, in leagues that offer points for KR yardage, is a nice selection if they let him get enough touches.)

Hester, to me, is the better option because he could at the very least vulture some goal line touches. People will talk about Tomlinson never getting hurt and it's true, but that doesn't mean a near-last round flier on one of them is going to kill you.