Antonio Gates Injury: Updates on Chargers Star's Week 5 Status and Fantasy Value

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was held out for the second straight week on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins with a chronic foot injury.

Gates, one of the top tight ends in the NFL and fantasy football, missed six games last season with plantar fascia issues and has registered just eight catches for 74 yards in two games this season.

Keep checking back to this page throughout the week for the latest updates on the injury, his playing stats and fantasy value as the Chargers prepare to take on the Denver Broncos on Oct. 9.

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 9 at 3:03 p.m. EDT by Matt Faulconer

As expected, Antonio Gates will not be active for today's game against the Denver Broncos according to NFL.com's Michael Fabiano.

Everyone saw this coming from a mile away, as Gates should be left on the sideline until he is completely healthy. If you were holding out hope that Gates would be able to play, be sure to pick up Randy McMichael for this week.

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 9 at 12:40 p.m. EDT by Donald Wood

The San Diego Chargers knew they would be without tight end Antonio Gates this week, and now confirmation makes the decision to get him out of your fantasy lineup easy.

The Red Zone Channel is reporting about Gates’ status for Sunday’s game:

While starting Randy McMichael is a long shot in fantasy, Philip Rivers loves hitting the tight end for short yardage and this may be the surprise play of the day.

UPDATE: Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2:30 p.m. EDT by Donald Wood

The San Diego Chargers would love to have Antonio Gates for the regular season, but they realize if they want to have him in the postseason, they need to let him sit out and get his foot right with proper rest.

Chargers News is reporting on twitter that Antonio Gates is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game:

You shouldn’t drop Gates if you have him because he is too valuable when he does play, but if there was ever a time to buy low on the Pro-Bowl tight end, now would be that time.

UPDATE: Thursday, Oct. 6 at 9:10 a,m, EST by Brandon Galvin

Antonio Gates (foot) is not expected to play this week as the Chargers look to rest him through the Week 6 bye, according to Sign On San Diego's Kevin Acee.

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"That likely excludes Gates, who last week indicated his preference to use rest to help his foot get better. Gates ran on a treadmill Tuesday and felt no worse for the wear, but his overriding desire is to play the season out uninterrupted once he does return."

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UPDATE: Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 5:11 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Antonio Gates didn't practice today, according to San Diego Sports writer Michael Gehlken. One would have to assume the future Hall of Famer won't play this week, but you never know what Sunday will bring for this warrior.

UPDATE: Tuesday, Oct 4 at 5:40 p.m. EST 

Sports Xchange tweeted today that Gates isn't likely to play this week against the Broncos.

After missing two straight weeks, I hope Gate's fantasy owners have found a viable replacement for him. The Chargers don't really need Gates out there right now, and they know this.

The best move is to let Gates fully heal so he's ready to go for the later portion of the season, which is when his team will need him the most.  

UPDATE: Monday, Oct. 3 at 5:05 p.m. EST

Per the San Diego Union-Tribune, Gates is "making progress" and is expected to run on Tuesday.

The Chargers have been able to go 2-0 in Gates' absence on their way to an overall record of 3-1.

Part of this has been due to the emergence of second-year running back Ryan Mathews, who has rushed for 288 yards and three touchdowns through four games and caught 19 balls for 254 yards.

Quarterback Philip Rivers has also been spreading the ball around, connecting with seven different receivers against the Dolphins.

Regardless, Gates is widely regarded as the best tight end in the NFL, and his return will be welcomed with open arms by the Chargers.