Antonio Gates Injury: Updates on Chargers Star's Week 3 Status and Fantasy Value

The San Diego Chargers are all too familiar with Antonio Gates being on the sidelines. Unfortunately, it looks like a foot injury may sideline the future Hall of Famer this week.

For all the latest on Gates' status for Week 3, as well as the fantasy implications that come with it, just check back here periodically for updates.

Sunday, September 25 at 5:06 p.m. EST

Randy McMichael, filling in for Antonio Gates (foot), has three receptions for 25 yards through 27 minutes of game time.

Sunday, September 25 at 12:33 p.m. EST

Gates has a tear in his foot, according to Rotoworld's Staff per ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Gates is already out for today's matchup against Kansas City. It remains to be seen how this will affect his future.

Sunday, September 25 at 9:55 a.m. EST

Antonio Gates will not play today against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

Fantasy players should immediately pick up Randy McMichael, who will be used in similar Gates fashion, including the red zone.

Saturday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. EST

Antonio Gates is officially out, according to Pro Football Talk. The good news is fantasy owners no longer have to play the waiting game. The bad news of course is that Gates is out for an easy matchup against a terrible team.

Saturday, September 24 at 12:40 p.m. EST

It's not looking good for Gates. Michael Fabiano using the phrase "major question mark" doesn't exactly paint a bright picture of his Week 3 status. Gates hasn't been ruled out, but it's hard to imagine the Chargers risking his health in a seemingly easy win such as this one.

Luckily for the Chargers, they probably won't need him. The injury bug has bitten the Chiefs a lot harder than it has the Chargers, and Kansas City is grossly outmatched on both sides of the ball, regardless of whether Gates plays or not.

There are games down the stretch that the Chargers are going to need Gates at full strength for. We've seen him bogged down by injuries in the past and while he might be able to tough it out this week, forcing him into the lineup when he's less than 100 percent is unnecessary at this point.

Fantasy Value: At this point, it doesn't look like Gates is going to make an appearance in this game. Even so, this is one injury you'll have to constantly keep checking back on.

If Gates gets in the game at all, he's going to produce. The Chiefs haven't had an answer for any offense they have faced yet. While injured players scare people away, if Gates gets the go-ahead, you shouldn't hesitate to put him in.