Chargers TE Antonio Gates, who missed the team's recent three-day minicamp, knows there's a process involved as he rehabs the left big toe he dislocated in January's playoff victory over Tennessee. After he underwent surgery in late February, the recovery period was projected to last between four to six months. Gates plans to start running later this month. He's aware that it's unlikely he'll be ready for the start of training camp in late July. But he hopes to be healthy by the time the Chargers open the regular season against Carolina on Sept. 7. (Updated 05/05/2008).
Injury Report
Toe - Questionable for the start of 2008 training camp (Updated - 3/26/08)
Fantasy Analysis
It's not a good sign that Gates still is bothered with his toe injury, especially since it could linger into the start of the season. He should still be viewed as a No. 1 tight end in all Fantasy leagues, but he might slip from his top perch. Still plan on drafting Gates somewhere around Round 4 or 5, but he might let you down this season if the toe is still a problem. Also keep in mind QB Philip Rivers is coming off knee surgery, which could limit his and Gates' effectiveness. (Updated 05/05/2008).
TE Antonio Gates continues to battle a toe injury that limited him in the postseason. Gates said the best-case scenario would be that he could return in July. Gates has resigned himself to knowing that he doesn't know when he can slap back on the cleats and get back out to where he longs to be -- on the football field. His comeback is filled with potential obstacles and pot holes that Gates isn't sure how to hop around. "Am I willing to cut on it? And I'm overdoing it?," Gates asked. "Sometimes you can overdo it and then (hurt) something else. I want to be able to get out there as early as I can. That's my goal: I'm shooting to get out there as early as I can. But if not, I understand that it's a process." If Gates is slowed Scott Chandler, who didn't have a catch last year, would fill in for Gates. 05/15/2008
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Chargers TE Antonio Gates, who missed the team's recent three-day minicamp, knows there's a process involved as he rehabs the left big toe he dislocated in January's playoff victory over Tennessee. After he underwent surgery in late February, the recovery period was projected to last between four to six months. Gates plans to start running later this month. He's aware that it's unlikely he'll be ready for the start of training camp in late July. But he hopes to be healthy by the time the Chargers open the regular season against Carolina on Sept. 7. (Updated 05/05/2008).
Injury Report
Toe - Questionable for the start of 2008 training camp (Updated - 3/26/08)
Fantasy Analysis
It's not a good sign that Gates still is bothered with his toe injury, especially since it could linger into the start of the season. He should still be viewed as a No. 1 tight end in all Fantasy leagues, but he might slip from his top perch. Still plan on drafting Gates somewhere around Round 4 or 5, but he might let you down this season if the toe is still a problem. Also keep in mind QB Philip Rivers is coming off knee surgery, which could limit his and Gates' effectiveness. (Updated 05/05/2008).
