Antonio Gates Injury: Will Malcom Floyd Fantasy Owners Benefit?

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates will miss the team's Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

That should open up more targets for Malcom Floyd, who was listed as doubtful earlier in the week, but is active for Sunday's game.

Even though Floyd has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, he was able to get through pregame warm-ups without issue. He should improve on his slow start to the season against a Chiefs secondary that ranks 22nd against opposing fantasy receivers.

While Vincent Jackson will remain Philip Rivers' top target, the Gates injury makes Floyd the second option on a team that likes to throw (especially deep, which is Floyd's strong point).

Chiefs corner Brandon Carr will probably be assigned Floyd. Carr allowed Nate Burleson of the Detroit Lions to catch seven passes for 93 yards last week, which bodes well for San Diego's No. 2 man putting up his first big game of the season.

The only worrisome aspect of sticking Floyd into your fantasy lineup at the last minute is his groin problem. The situation feels like he is being rushed back into action because of Gates and might not be able to go the full 60 minutes.

As with most fantasy decisions, there is a risk to go with the reward. If Floyd plays the entire game, he could catch eight passes and find the end zone, which would provide a nice boost to your team from the flex position.

But Floyd could also shut it down after a couple drives if he isn't feeling well.

If you feel like taking a chance this week, put Floyd in your lineup and hope he doesn't re-injure his groin; it could pay off big.

Prediction: Six catches for 95 yards and a touchdown