San Diego ? The San Diego Chargers proved they could thrive without All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates – at least for one exhibition game.

LaDainian Tomlinson scored on a 55-yard run – his only carry of the game – and his backup, Michael Turner, also had a 55-yard run, plus a two-yard TD scamper, to help the Chargers beat the St. Louis Rams, 36-21, Sunday.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said at halftime that Gates was expected to arrive Sunday night in San Diego and sign a $380,000 tender to end his holdout. Because Gates missed a team-imposed deadline to report, the Chargers said Saturday that they would put him on the Roster Exempt List once he signed, meaning he would have to sit out the last two exhibitions and the season opener against Dallas on Sept. 11.

Gates caught 13 touchdown passes last year to set an NFL record for tight ends, leading the Chargers to the AFC West title and their first playoff appearance in nine seasons. He led the Chargers with 81 catches for 964 yards, accounting for about 20 percent of the offense.

But negotiations on a multiyear deal have fallen apart, leading to his uncertain status. The Chargers set Saturday’s deadline in an effort to break the impasse.

“At the end of the day, he’ll be here, and that’s what’s most important,” coach Marty Schottenheimer said after the Chargers’ first game in San Diego since their 20-17 overtime playoff loss to the New York Jets on Jan. 8.

Rams tight end Roland Williams strained a knee on the opening kickoff but continued to play.

“I don’t know how bad it is,” coach Mike Martz said.