Following a familiar script, the San Diego running back isn't expected to carry the ball in any of the team's four preseason games, coach Norv Turner said Monday.

Tomlinson, an eight-year pro who has won consecutive rushing titles, has only 14 preseason carries in his career. He's expected to get in some pregame warmups Saturday in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys but won't see much action afterward.

"I'm looking forward to Saturday just because we're going to get a chance to get out there and play," Tomlinson said. "I say we - I'll be on the field and into it and everything."

Tomlinson said the Cowboys game will be a good gauge for the regular season. He is hopeful the Chargers don't repeat last year's stumble from the gate when they lost three of their first four games under Turner, now entering his second year as San Diego's head coach.

"You get a chance to really see where you are and see how you're going to start out this year," said Tomlinson, who rushed for 1,474 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

Quarterback Philip Rivers will play against Dallas, although Turner said the length of his appearance would be determined later in the week.

The game represents another step in Rivers' recovery after having his torn ACL repaired in the offseason. Rivers said he's not concerned about how it will respond because it has been well tested in training camp.

Rivers hurt his knee in the AFC divisional playoff win over the Colts last season, then played with the injury in the team's loss to the Patriots in the AFC championship game.

"It's really not in the back of my mind," Rivers said. "I played with it when it was a lot less stable. It's like I'm brand new now as far as stability, so when you're healthy you don't worry about that."