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| SD - Antonio Gates breaks franchise record - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates recorded his 82nd career touchdown in the Week 16 game against the New York Jets, breaking the all-time franchise record Hall of Famer WR Lance Alworth held for 42 yards.
| SD - Antonio Gates sets franchise record - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates caught two passes for 44 yards and one touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 16. It was Gates' 82nd touchdown as a member of the Chargers, which set the franchise record for receiving touchdowns.
| SD - Antonio Gates back in the end zone - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (undisclosed) managed just four grabs for 31 yards in the Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers, but he was able to post his first touchdown since Week 10. He left the game briefly due to an undisclosed injury, but missed just one play. The touchdown was his 81st career score, tying him with Hall of Fame WR Lance Alworth for the all-time franchise lead.
Footballguys view: Gates is still likely done as a quality NFL and fantasy tight end. Only in a meaningless game like this one could he finally even get to paydirt.
| SD - Antonio Gates held in check - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates had only three catches for 31 yards in the team's Week 14 win, and he has been held to under 50 yards since Week 9. Gates has had four or fewer receptions in 10 of his 12 games this year. Gates was targeted eight times in Week 14, but he dropped a deep pass and wasn't able to gain separation from Pittsburgh Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons over the middle. The extra burst that Gates used to leave single coverage in the past appears to be gone. He's being double-teamed at times this year, too.
Footballguys view: Fantasy owners just need to realize that Gates is no longer the same player he used to be. We can't trust Gates as a TE1 starter from week to week. Fantasy owners need to scour the waiver wire for help in the fantasy playoffs.
| SD - Antonio Gates quiet again - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates was held to three catches for 31 yards in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Footballguys view: It's time to drop Gates, who just doesn't look like a threatening presence for defenses to account for any longer.
| SD - Antonio Gates is no-show again - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates did have six catches in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he managed just 49 yards.
Footballguys view: Gates just isn't a playmaker anymore. He isn't really a TE1 right now, and certainly shouldn't be trusted against the once again fearsome Steelers defense.
| SD - Antonio Gates gets extra attention - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates has been keyed on by opposing defenses, according to head coach Norv Turner. 'I think that if you're getting ready to play us and look at our guys and ask, 'Who's the guy we have to make sure doesn't get the ball?' Your answer is Antonio Gates first, of all our guys. And that's what defenses are doing,' Turner said Monday, Nov. 26. 'There have been times when there were chances to get him the ball and we didn't maybe because of protection or because we threw it to someone else. But there's no question that he gets a lot of attention.'
Footballguys view: Fantasy owners have to look for better options via the waiver wire. Gates is not the same player he used to be and is struggling to get open. TEs like Dallas Clark are becoming better starting options.
| SD - Antonio Gates does nothing in loss - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates had two receptions for just 17 yards and no scores in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos.
| SD - Malcom Floyd takes over as Z receiver - |
San Diego Chargers WR Malcom Floyd has taken over as the team's 'Z' receiver. The 'Z' typically lines up on the same side as TE Antonio Gates, and Floyd was moved there in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to create mismatches and make opponents pick their poison. The position was previously manned by WR Robert Meachem. 'With Antonio and I lining up next to each other, we put a strain on whatever side we're on,' Floyd said.
Footballguys view: This should help Antonio Gates, who had two touchdowns the last time out against Denver.
| SD - Antonio Gates nearing franchise record - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates had four receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown in the Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He now has 80 career touchdowns, one behind Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the franchise's all-time record.
Footballguys view: Gates has an excellent matchup against the linebackers than Greg Olsen scored twice on today, so he's getting closer to being the elite fantasy tight end his owners expected when they drafted him this summer.
| SD - Clamps put on Antonio Gates - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates was held to just two receptions and 14 yards in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.
Footballguys view: Gates looked like he was back against the Broncos before the bye, so his owners should chalk this line up to the bad weather and leave him in against the Chiefs next week.
| SD - Antonio Gates still dealing with injury - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates said he still deals with the rib injury that he suffered Week 1 from time to time.
| SD - Antonio Gates hauls in two TDs - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates posted team-highs with six receptions, 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Week 6 game Monday, Oct. 15, against the Denver Broncos.
Footballguys view: The Broncos LBs struggle in coverage so the team tried to use FS Mike Adams to cover Gates. That didn't work either and Adams ended up getting benched in favor of veteran Jim Leonhard.
| SD - Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates make history - |
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers threw a first-quarter touchdown to TE Antonio Gates in the Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos Monday, Oct. 15. It is the 50th career scoring hook-up, most between a QB-TE combination in NFL history.
| SD - Antonio Gates quiet in loss - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates was quiet in the Week 5 loss against the New Orleans Saints. While he had three catches, he managed just 19 yards.
| SD - Antonio Gates disappoints - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (rib) was active in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, but he posted just 22 yards on three receptions and had a rare drop.
Footballguys view: Gates looked fine, it was the team-wide performance that held him down. He's a great buy low candidate in trades this week.
| SD - Antonio Gates active - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) is active for Week 3.
| SD - Antonio Gates questionable - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) is listed as questionable for the team's Week 3 game.
Footballguys view: Unlike last week, Gates got in some practice time this week. He cited that as a main reason to sit in week 2, so we expect him to play and still have him ranked as a top 10 option this week.
| SD - Antonio Gates practices in full - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) practiced in full Thursday, Sept. 20.
Footballguys view: Gates could still be a game time decision. Fantasy owners need to have a solid backup plan.
| SD - Antonio Gates limited - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) was limited in practice Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Footballguys view: Gates was limited last week but ended up missing the game against the Titans. He should play this week against the Falcons but could be a game time decision.
| JAX - Maurice Jones-Drew records 75th career TD - |
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew carried 12 times for 60 yards in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, and he added a touchdown reception. The TD was the 75th of his career, joining San Francisco 49ers WR Randy Moss, Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez and San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates as the only active players with at least 75.
Footballguys view: Jones-Drew scored on a throwback across the field from Blaine Gabbert, and he ran well in his limited opportunities. You should plug him in as a RB2 against the Colts next week.
| SD - Week 2 Inactives - |
The San Diego Chargers have declared DL Antonio Garay, TE Antonio Gates, SS Brandon Taylor, OT Jared Gaither, LB Jonas Mouton, RB Ryan Mathews, CB Shareece Wright inactive for Week 2.
| SD - Antonio Gates inactive - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) is not active Week 2.
Footballguys view: This is a surprise both because of the reports that he was likely to play and Gates' history of playing through injuries. Jared Cook and Heath Miller are the best potential options on the waiver wire if you are scrambling to fill his spot in your lineup.
| SD - Antonio Gates appears to be able to play - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) appears like he will be able to play Week 2 despite injured ribs.
Footballguys view: Unless you have another strong option at tight end, chance Gates and his questionable status in your lineup this week.
| SD - Antonio Gates moving up leader board - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates, who has 597 career receptions, needs just three catches against the Tennessee Titans during Week 2 to become the fifth tight end in NFL history with 600 career receptions.
| SD - Antonio Gates may have better shot at playing than Ryan Mathews - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) probably has a better shot at playing in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans than RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) does. Gates has missed entire weeks of practice in the past and still played. He is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report.
Footballguys view: Gates has played through more injuries in his career than Mathews has, and he hasn't been away from the field for over a month like Mathews has. We think Gates will go on Sunday.
| SD - Antonio Gates, Ryan Mathews questionable - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) and RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) were both limited in practice Friday, Sept. 14, and are questionable for Week 2.
Footballguys view: Gates should play on Sunday, but signs point to Mathews sitting out for one more week. Mathews should get a decent-sized workload if he can play, so he might be worth waiting on in the late games if you have a good late or night game option to hedge against his being inactive.
| SD - Antonio Gates practicing - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) is participating in practice Friday, Sept. 14. He has sat out the last two days of practice with sore ribs.
Footballguys view: Gates has historically played well when he has been on the injury report, so he should be in your lineup as long as he is active.
| SD - Antonio Gates misses practice - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 13.
Footballguys view: This injury is a painful one to play through, but Gates is one of the toughest players in the league. Pain tolerance will determine his playing status for this week's game against the Titans.
| SD - Antonio Gates expected to practice Thursday - |
Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner expects TE Antonio Gates (ribs) to practice Thursday, Sept. 13. Gates, who did not practice Wednesday, Sept. 12, is still 'a little sore.'
Footballguys view: Rib injuries are painful, but Gates is tough enough to play through it. He's the Chargers best receiving option and needs to be in your lineup against the Titans.
| SD - Antonio Gates rests ribs during practice - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) was listed as a non-participant in practice Wednesday, Sept. 12, as he rested the rib injury he suffered in the Week 1 game Monday, Sept. 10, against the Oakland Raiders.
| SD - Antonio Gates returns to game - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) returned to the field in the third quarter in Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders after leaving for the locker room for treatment on a rib injury.
| SD - Antonio Gates dealing with rib injury - |
Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (ribs) left in the third quarter of the Week 1 game against the Oakland Raiders due to a ribs injury. His return is questionable.
| SD - Antonio Gates heads to locker room - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (undisclosed) jogged to the locker room early in the third quarter during the Week 1 game Monday, Sept. 10, against the Oakland Raiders. It's uncertain if he has an injury or perhaps an equipment issue.
| SD - Antonio Gates will not play in preseason game - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates will not play in the third preseason game Friday, Aug. 24, even though he is healthy.
Footballguys view: Don't let this scare you away from taking Gates as one of the top five tight ends off of the board. He is almost certain to be the number one passcatcher in San Diego this year, and he is looking and feeling as good as he has in years.
| SD - Antonio Gates looking agile and healthy - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates had a 23-yard touchdown reception in the team's first preseason game. Gates saw limited action, but appeared to be in perfect sync with QB Philip Rivers. Gates also looked as agile and healthy as he has during training camp.
Footballguys view: The team will lean on Gates more than ever this season. Chargers head coach Norv Turner says Gates has looked better this offseason than he has in the last few years. He should finish the year as a top 3 fantasy TE if he stays healthy in 2012.
| SD - Antonio Gates having strong camp - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates is turning heads on a daily basis in training camp. After dealing with foot-related injuries for four years, Gates is finally completely healthy and also slimmer.
Footballguys view: This matches the strong offseason workouts that he had. Norv Turner says Gates has worked out better than he has in the last few years. Great news for the Chargers and fantasy owners if Gates can stay healthy in 2012. He's the 3rd TE coming off the board and should finish in the top 5 this year. Gates could be in for a bigger role as the Chargers lost WR Vincent Jackson in free agency, and QB Philip Rivers doesn't have chemistry with guys like Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem yet.
| SD - Antonio Gates can still have impact - |
If San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates can stay healthy, he could be good for roughly 70 receptions and 10 touchdowns in 2012.
Footballguys view: Gates is not the same player he used to be, but could still perform like a top 5 fantasy TE this year. He's QB Philip Rivers favorite target, and the team will really lean on Gates now that WR Vincent Jackson was lost in free agency.
| SD - Antonio Gates had strong offseason - |
San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said TE Antonio Gates had one of his best offseasons in years and expects him to have a big 2012 campaign. "Gates has had the best offseason that he has had in three or four years," Turner said.
Footballguys view: Gates is one of the top 5 TEs in the league, and only needs to stay healthy in order to produce up to his potential. The Chargers passing game has been revamped this offseason with the addition of Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal.
| SD - Coach impressed with minicamp results - |
San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates have had their best minicamp he has seen. 'I told our guys, I don't have to, but if I listed 10 guys who have been outstanding,' Turner said, 'and probably have had their best camp that I'm aware of, (Antonio) Gates falls in that category. Ryan is in that category. Philip Rivers is in that category. He's still been here (at the team facility) more days probably more than any other guy on the team.'
Footballguys view: The Chargers have a big hole to fill on offense as they lost WR Vincent Jackson in free agency. They added Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal in free agency themselves, and are hopeful those two guys can produce at a high level.
| SD - Antonio Gates plans to play at lower weight - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates has chosen to trim his playing weight this season. He said Tuesday, June 12, that he is cutting down to 255 from his usual 260 in hopes of gaining longevity. 'I've always felt deeply that as you get older, you have to lose a little weight,' Gates said. 'I've always played at 260 (pounds). I felt like this year, I can play at 255. That's just the key. When I watch guys who have longevity and played for 15, 16 years, one thing I continuously hear is guys maintaining healthy, maintaining weight. They control their weight.'
| SD - Coach happy with Antonio Gates this offseason - |
San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said TE Antonio Gates looks great this offseason and appears to be fully recovered from the plantar fascia injury he dealt with last season. 'Gates looks great -- he's back,' Turner said. 'Physically, he's back to where we want him to be. I think, like anybody, going through this offseason program helps you get better. (It's) the combination of conditioning, the combination of getting better in the areas you can improve, and being out there with your teammates.'
Footballguys view: Gates is going off the board as the third or fourth tight ends at the highest, which could make him a slight value. He was among the best non-Graham/Gronkowski tight ends last year after he returned from his injury.
| SD - Antonio Gates expects to be back to form - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (foot) feels like he is near 100 percent healthy, and he said he is ready to return to his All-Pro form.
Footballguys view: Good sign for the Chargers here. Since they lost Vincent Jackson in free agency to the Buccaneers we could see them relying on Gates to help pick up the slack. They signed Robert Meachem to replace Jackson, but he's not the same level of talent.
| SD - Kory Sperry needs to improve - |
San Diego Chargers TE Kory Sperry has shown improvement in recent years, but he needs to continue that in order to grab a role on the Chargers in 2012. He is the team's only experienced and developing tight end option behind starter Antonio Gates.
Footballguys view: Sperry could develop into a talented move TE but some question whether or not he has the work ethic to get there.
| SD - Antonio Gates approaching a franchise record - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates needs six more touchdowns to match former NFL WR Lance Alworth's franchise record of 81. Gates is also just seven catches away from becoming the fifth tight end and the 59th player overall in NFL history with 600 career catches.
| SD - Antonio Gates looks good at Pro Bowl - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (foot) played in the Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 29, despite battling foot problems during the middle of the regular season. He looked good, too, posting three grabs for 67 yards and a 27-yard touchdown from Chargers teammate QB Philip Rivers in the second quarter.
Footballguys view: Gates could actually be a value next year in drafts with Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski stealing all of the headlines at TE this year.
| SD - Antonio Gates rolls for 106 yards, score - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates finished with five catches for 106 yards and a touchdown in the Week 17 game against the Oakland Raiders. The yardage total was a season-best, and his most since Oct. 31, 2010, when he had 123 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8 last season.
| SD - Antonio Gates probable - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (undisclosed) practiced in full Friday, Dec. 30, and is probable for Week 17.
| SD - Antonio Gates misses practice - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (undisclosed) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 29.
| SD - Antonio Gates has not decided on Pro Bowl yet - |
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates said Wednesday, Dec. 28, that he was uncertain if he will play in the Pro Bowl, although he said it was special to be selected 'due to all the things I had to overcome with the foot and most importantly, just the respect the players still have for me in this league.'
