Reuters

The Jets’ stale running game needs a spark, and Rex Ryan is hoping that a motivational ploy could do the trick this Sunday.

Rex Ryan announced that LaDainian Tomlinson will start against the Chargers in his first game against his old team. It appears the starting nod is basically “ceremonial” rather than performance-based. Shonn Greene will still have his usual workload.

Starting Tomlinson is averaging only 3.4 yards-per-carry this year. Tomlinson is no better, but he’s made a number of key plays as a receiver. If nothing else, he gives Mark Sanchez a better check down option.

“I don’t have any bad bones against anybody. I’m sure the time will come when I come back and retire as a Charger,” Tomlinson said in a conference call to San Diego reporters.

It’s hard to imagine that happening while A.J. Smith is there.