Tomlinson leaves practice with bruised heel

CARSON, Calif. (AP) San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson left practice on a cart Wednesday for the second time in less than a week, this time because of bruised left heel.

Toward the end of practice, Tomlinson took a handoff and had his body twisted while his feet remained planted. Tomlinson believes someone accidentally kicked his heel as the play came to an end.

``I got a bruised heel, Achilles' ... something,'' said Tomlinson, the NFL's second-leading rusher last year. ``It's always something, and it's frustrating.''

Last week, Tomlinson became dehydrated and overheated during a hot and humid morning practice. He was treated for several hours and was OK.

Coach Marty Schottenheimer said he doesn't think Tomlinson's injury is serious.

Schottenheimer and Tomlinson said they weren't aware of plans to have X-rays or an MRI.

``We're going to see if it calms down,'' Tomlinson said. ``It doesn't seem like it is too bad.''

But it was bad enough that Tomlinson pulled himself from practice something he seldom does.

``I was limping back and I knew I felt pain,'' he said. ``So I was done after that.''

Wide receiver David Boston's practice was also derailed by a sore heel. Boston said he didn't anticipate being out long.

The Chargers will practice once Thursday, then break camp and return to San Diego for a practice Friday. They play at Houston on Saturday night.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)