Tomlinson on verge of being NFL’s richest running back

LaDainian Tomlinson is about to become the highest-paid running back in the NFL.

Tomlinson said after Thursday’s practice he has agreed in principle to a deal with the San Diego Chargers that will eclipse the eight-year, $50.5 million contract signed by the Redskins’ Clinton Portis in the offseason.

Asked if his deal will be worth more than that given Portis, Tomlinson replied, “Absolutely. I don’t think it will even be close.”

Few players have matched Tomlinson’s three years in the NFL, a span in which he’s rushed for 4,564 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Tomlinson, the fifth player in NFL history to rush for more than 200 yards in four games, last year became the first to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes.

Tomlinson’s contract will be an extension to the two years he has remaining.

Lewis’ trial to start midseason

Jamal Lewis’ drug conspiracy trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 1, the middle of the NFL season.

The date, set Thursday by a federal court, comes between the eighth and ninth weeks of the season, meaning that if the trial goes on as scheduled, Lewis could miss a number of games. The Ravens are at Philadelphia on Oct. 31, then play host to Cleveland in a night game the following Sunday.

Davis doubtful for preseason opener

Houston Texans running back Domanick Davis, slowed by a variety of minor injuries through the first two weeks of training camp, likely won’t play in Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

As a rookie last season, Davis grabbed the starting tailback job and ran for 1,031 yards.

Shockey won’t play against Chiefs

Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey felt a little soreness after practicing with the New York Giants for the first time since having foot surgery in June.

Shockey, who will not play Friday in the Giants preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, had a screw inserted in his right foot June 22.

Dolphins open up QB spot

The Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback job is up for grabs in Saturday’s exhibition game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coach Dave Wannstedt said Jay Fiedler will start, but A.J. Feeley will get an equal amount of playing time against the Jags. The roles will be reversed in the team’s next game, against Washington.

NFL reaches deal with Mexico

The NFL has struck deals with two Mexican television networks to televise its games for the next three seasons.

The contracts call for the networks Televisa and TV Azteca to carry NFL games for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons, the league said in a statement Thursday.

Bears, Ravens win preseason games

The Chicago Bears overcame 19 penalties for 160 yards in their preseason opener, a 13-10 overtime victory over the Rams in St. Louis. It was Lovie Smith’s first competition as head coach of the Bears.

•Reserve tight end Daniel Wilcox caught two touchdown passes as the Baltimore Ravens beat the visiting Atlanta Falcons 24-0. The game marked the preseason debut of Falcons coach Jim Mora.