San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates Listed Out vs. Oakland Raiders

According to the official San Diego Chargers' website injury report, tight end Antonio Gates will not play in the division matchup at home against the Oakland Raiders.

Gates has been in and out of the Chargers' lineup since injuring his foot last month.

Although Gates wasn’t his usual productive self in an easy win against the Colts last week with four receptions for 46 yards, this is still a major blow to the Chargers and Gates’ fantasy owners.

Fantasy owners looking for a quick replacement should look to Chargers backup Randy McMichael. McMichael is of similar build to Gates and although he doesn’t present the same mismatch and advantages to the Chargers and fantasy owners, Philip Rivers is playing in rare MVP form and will target McMichael early and often with all of the injuries to the Chargers’ skill positions.

In McMichael’s first start in relief of Gates against Houston Week 9, he caught just two passes for 21 but both went for touchdowns. Rivers is so used to targeting his big and athletic tight end in the red zone that it has almost become second nature for Rivers to first look the tight end’s way.

It’s a shame this foot injury continues to plague Antonio Gates. Gates is enjoying an incredible season with 44 receptions for 709 yards and nine touchdowns in just nine games.

Gates actually opened the season scoring at least one touchdown in five straight games and seven touchdowns in the first eight games. He has topped the century mark for yards in three games this season. He has had at least five receptions in six games played on the year.

Hopefully, this extra week of rest isn’t due to a setback but rather because it will mean Gates will return close to 100 percent next week.

Gates has already passed the past two season’s touchdown totals. When he returns to action, he will look to capture his first double-digit touchdown season since 2005. With four games remaining after this week comes to a close, Gates will still attempt to match his career high 13 touchdown total.

The NFL will be much better off when Gates returns to action as he is one of the league’s best playmakers. His incredible leaping ability, hands, size and speed are a special combination. His immense athleticism and supreme playmaking ability make him one of the most fun players to watch. As the Chargers gear up for an exciting race to the top of the AFC West, Gates will play an integral role in their potential playoff and Super Bowl run.

Of course, Gates’ inactivity today is not 100 percent official as the Chargers do not play until 4:05 PM Eastern time. Gates did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, as expected. However, he took part in limited practiced Friday so there is still hope that Gates will wake up and feel well enough to test the injury for the important division matchup.

Still, Gates’ fantasy owners need to accept this preliminary report and act accordingly with the fantasy playoffs on the line.