ESPN NFL

Three-time Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, the lead blocker for San Diego Chargers' star tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season after fracturing his right fibula in Sunday's overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans.

A 15-year veteran, Neal sustained the injury early in the fourth quarter and had surgery on Monday to insert a plate in the broken leg.

The Chargers (8-5) lead the AFC West by two games and it is unclear if there is any chance Neal could return for some part of the playoffs.

"I know he's a little bit older, but hopefully he can recover like a young man," Tomlinson said of his escort.

Neal, 36, has never carried more than 30 times in a season, but has been the lead blocker for 11 straight 1,000-yard rushers. He is known for being able to tie up linebackers in the run game and is also solid in pass protection.

The former Fresno State standout has appeared in 224 games in stints with New Orleans (1993-96), the New York Jets (1997), Tampa Bay (1998), Tennessee (1999-2000), Cincinnati (2001-2002) and San Diego (2003-2007).

In 15 seasons, Neal has carried 214 times for 782 yards and six touchdowns. He also has 192 receptions for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.