Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers, the National Football League's leading rusher, said his left knee injury won't keep him out of this weekend's conference championship game against the New England Patriots.

Tomlinson missed the second half of the Chargers' 28-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts yesterday after hyperextending his knee during the second quarter. He's listed as questionable for the American Football Conference title game in San Diego's official injury report.

``I think I'll definitely be able to play,'' Tomlinson, 28, said at a news conference today.

Tomlinson, who led the NFL with 1,474 rushing yards this season, was replaced by Michael Turner during the second half of yesterday's win. Turner rushed for 71 yards on 17 carries against the Colts and would start against the unbeaten Patriots if Tomlinson isn't available.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is also listed as questionable for this weekend's game because of a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Rivers missed the final quarter against Indianapolis and backup Billy Volek led San Diego's winning drive.

Chargers coach Norv Turner said Rivers would probably be held out of practice early this week to help his recovery.

``It's probably questionable if he will play in the game, but he's got a chance,'' Turner said at a news conference.

San Diego is a 14-point underdog against the 17-0 Patriots, who won a Week 2 meeting against the Chargers 38-14 after eliminating them in the second round of last year's playoffs.

The Green Bay Packers host the New York Giants in the National Football Conference's championship game on Jan. 20.

To contact the reporter on this story: Erik Matuszewski in New York at matuszewski@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: January 14, 2008 23:47 EST