Maroney

SAN DIEGO — Laurence Maroney’s bum shoulder once again kept him out of the lineup last night against the Chargers, as the Patriots third-year running back missed his second game this season.

When New England promoted rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis off the practice squad on Saturday, it seemed clear that Maroney would not be playing. He had been limited in practice Thursday and Friday and was listed as questionable.

Fellow back LaMont Jordan had missed the week of practice with a calf injury, and had been listed as doubtful for the game. Jordan did not suit up against San Diego.

Maroney also did not play against Miami in Week Three because of the injury. However, he was not listed on the Patriots’ injury report the week before the 49ers game and did play against San Francisco. He had just 26 yards on 10 carries.

Though he may be hampered by his injury, there may be something else going on with Maroney. He spoke with reporters on Friday and said he’s dealing with “issues,” though he would not specify what the issues are.

Regardless of what is going on, he seems to have the support of the coaching staff as both Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke well of Maroney last week. McDaniels deflected criticism of Maroney’s at-times hesitant play, saying that there are always plays that get more yards than they were drawn up for and plays that don’t get as many yards as they’re supposed to.

Criticized in the media and by Patriots fans, Maroney said he’s not paying attention to the questions about his durability and inconsistent play.

“Well, all I can say is I’m trying,” he said. “At the end of the day, no matter what the media say, no matter how they perceive me, how the fans perceive me, I’m trying. At the end of the day, that’s all I can do. If I was out here and not trying, that’s one thing. But I’m actually out here trying to do what I can do so I really don’t care what everybody else says.”

Maroney has played in 30 of 37 regular-season games in his career.

No one’s perfect

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed a 48-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter, his first miss this season after opening with 10 makes in New England’s first four games.

Gostkowski had converted 17 straight regular-season field goals, dating back to last December, when he went 2-for-3 against Pittsburgh.

Two key bolts fizzle out

The Chargers were without two key players yesterday, as receiver Chris Chambers and linebacker Jyles Tucker were both inactive due to injury.

Tucker, the backup to Shawne Merriman, who is on injured reserve, has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. He had recorded three sacks in his four games.

Chambers leads San Diego with 20.5 yards per catch and a team-high five touchdowns. He sprained an ankle against Miami last week.

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, started the game.

Tomlinson had five carries for 20 yards in the first quarter, putting him over the 11,000-yard mark for his career. He is the 17th player in NFL history to eclipse that number.

Extra points

In the first half, New England’s Jarvis Green (ankle), Ellis Hobbs (leg), Nick Kaczur (ankle) and Brandon Meriweather (hip) left the field because of injuries. Only Hobbs returned before halftime. … The Patriots trailed, 17-3, at halftime, the second time they’ve been behind at the half this year. They also trailed the Dolphins in the third game of the regular season, and wound up losing that game. … Tom Brady is in California recuperating from knee surgery, but he was not at the game last night. … . The Pats returned home after last night’s game and will have an extra day for their next game, next Monday night at Gillette Stadium against Denver.

smanza@projo.com