San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has a detached tendon that connects one of his adductor (groin) muscles to his pubic bone, according to team sources.
Tomlinson has been listed as a game-time decision against the Indianapolis Colts in Saturday night's AFC wild-card playoff game with a groin strain, and sources say he is going to attempt to play because physical therapy has given him some relief.
His playing status is expected to be determined after he tests the injury during a pregame warm-up.
Doctors discovered through scans that Tomlinson had an "avulsion" on one of three adductor muscles, meaning a tendon that connects the muscle to the pubic bone has detached, team sources said. The injury can affect Tomlinson's ability to make sharp cuts and other movements.
It is unknown if Tomlinson eventually will require surgery to reattach the tendon.
Chris Mortensen is a senior NFL analyst for ESPN.