"The Chargers yesterday made the probable departure of Darren Sproles official.

Not willing to pay him almost $7.3 million, they are not tendering the running back and will allow him to test the free-agent market.

The Chargers have made it clear they want Sproles to give them a chance to sign him to a long-term deal, but others will get a chance first.

"Darren doesn't have a lot of wear on him and is in high demand," said Gary Wichard, Sproles' agent. "It's a very attractive situation."

Having released LaDainian Tomlinson on Monday, the Chargers face the possibility they will have an entirely new backfield.

"Our hope is to have Darren back," head coach Norv Turner said. "You start from that standpoint, but you have to understand you could be in the other position.""