SAN DIEGO -- Looking for LaDainian Tomlinson's name on the list of NFL rushers? Here's a hint: Don't look near the top.

The Chargers running back, who led the NFL with 1,815 rushing yards last season while high-tailing it to NFL MVP honors, is nowhere near his customary lofty position on the statistical list. Through two games, Tomlinson has 68 yards and is in a tie for 39th place.

That leaves him 199 yards behind leader Travis Henry of Denver at the one-eighth pole of the NFL campaign.

"You take it for what it is -- two games," Tomlinson said. "Obviously, people get concerned over two games, which one game we won, so that shouldn't be a problem. But that's the way it is.

"It's only two games."

Tomlinson was held to 25 yards by Chicago in the opening contest and 43 yards in last Sunday's trouncing at New England. He's averaging just 1.9 yards per carry, significantly lower than last season's 5.2 average.

Tomlinson said it's too early to fret over such things as the Chargers prepare to face Green Bay this Sunday.

But he does point out that both the Bears and Patriots have sturdy run defenses.

"The first two games have been tough," Tomlinson said. "I didn't expect to run up and down the field on either team. I knew it was going to be hard yards to get out there. That's what happens when you play two really good teams."

Overall, only Miami with 127 yards has rushed for fewer yards than the Chargers (129). Coach Norv Turner said that consistency has been an issue.

"We have to eliminate the negative plays where we're either getting tackled for no gain or a 1-yard loss," Turner said.

Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick pointed out the running game has traditionally improved as the season has progressed. In fact, Tomlinson topped 100 yards just once in the first six games last season before putting together nine consecutive 100-plus outings.

"I'm sure supporters who aren't in (the locker room) are a little concerned, but it's no real concern for us," Hardwick said. "You'll see it pick up. There will definitely be an improvement."

Right tackle Shane Olivea nodded as he was asked about the struggles.

"We just haven't run the ball like we wanted to," Olivea said. "I don't know if there's really one thing you can pinpoint it on. We just haven't been consistent."

Chargers notes

TE Antonio Gates leads the NFL with eight third-down receptions. Gates has caught 16 passes in the first two games. … ILB Matt Wilhelm (calf) and T Shane Olivea (back) both missed practice again Thursday. Wilhelm will likely miss the game and a decision on Olivea could be made as early as today. LB Stephen Cooper (neck) and SS Clinton Hart (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday. … The Chargers have yet to score on 15 first-half possessions. The breakdown goes like this: eight punts, four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) two halves expired and one blocked field goal.

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.