Antonio Gates Injury: Updates on Chargers Star's Week 7 Status and Fantasy Value

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has been sidelined by lingering foot problems but is hoping for a return to the lineup after San Diego's Week 6 bye. The Chargers offense hasn't been the same without Gates, so his return would be a boost to everybody involved in the passing game.

Keep checking back to this page over the next two weeks for the latest news on his playing status and fantasy football value for Week 7.

Sunday, Oct. 23 at 11:57 a.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Antonio Gates is active today against the New York Jets, according to Rotoworld's Staff.

Friday, Oct. 21 at 2:01 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Antonio Gates is expected to play Sunday against New York after practicing today, according to San Diego Union-Tribune's Michael Gehlken.

Friday: Oct. 21 at 8:33 a.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

In a rather shocking move considering the Chargers are traveling from the West coast to the East coast, Antonio Gates is expected to play Sunday against the New York Jets, according to Yahoo's Mark J. Miller.

"The 31-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler didn't practice Thursday, raising the question of whether he'd be ready to go when the team takes on theNew York Jets this Sunday.

Head coach Norv Turner said Thursday's absence was planned and Gates is still expected to return Sunday, according to the [San Diego Union-Tribune].

Monday, Oct. 17 at 6:05 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Antonio Gates is making progress, but he is by no means a lock for Week 7 against the Jets. He practiced today, according to San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee. 

Monday, Oct. 17 at 5:25 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Antonio Gates has yet to be confirmed to play Week 7 against the Jets, but he is making progress, according to San Diego Union-Tribune contributor Michael Gehlken.

Thursday, Oct. 13 at 3:04 p.m. EST by Eric Bowman

Good news for Gates' owners as SanDiegoBoltReport.com is reporting that Norv Turner and Gates believe the tight end will be good to go after the Chargers bye week. 

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TE Antonio Gates is apparently ready to return. Coach Norv Turner remains optimistic that his Pro Bowler will be able to go when the Chargers play the Jets on Oct. 23. Gates, bothered by a sore foot, hasn't practiced or played since Sept. 18. 

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This is news that Gates' owners really wanted to hear. Having been out for so long they've had to scramble for a replacement, and knowing one of the best tight ends in the league is coming back will greatly please the fantasy football players who have Gates. 

The big question is how productive will Gates be? That remains to be seen, but his status during next week's practice will give us a good indication of whether or not he's worthy of a start or he still needs time to heal. 

Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. EDT by Matt Faulconer.

Antonio Gates recently spoke with Marty Caswell of 1090 Sports Radio in San Diego, and said that his main goal right now is just to get back on the practice field.

He wants to be able to test his foot out, and see if he can hold up for an entire practice. Gates said he will go from there to see if he can hit the field on gameday.

He won't be available for fantasy owners until he practices first, so fantasy owners should continue monitoring his practice availability over the next week and a half.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 11:00 p.m. EDT

Gates is still not sure if his foot will be heeled enough to play even though the Chargers have a bye this week:

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I can't make any predictions because I don't want to hold up to that, especially with the way it's been going. Fluctuating up and down.

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It's been a frustrating year for Gates because of the unpredictability around his foot and it would be foolish for him to put a timetable on returning. 

It's an issue he'll have to deal with for the rest of his career and rushing back from it too early could end his career. That's why Gates and the Chargers have to be extremely smart with it. 

Don't expect an official ruling on Gates until at least a week from Wednesday. 

Monday, Oct. 10 at 3:35 p.m. EDT

David Sabino, a Sports Illustrated fantasy insider, answered a question in his weekly mailbag about Gates' value moving forward. He believes the tight end will return to action in Week 7 against the New York Jets.

"Most athletes who suffer from this ailment claim that whether or not they play is just a matter of how much pain they can endure and with the Chargers in the thick of the AFC playoff race, he'll be able to endure more than if he were on the Eagles or Colts right now," he said. "I hold onto him."

Holding on to Gates is the right move. His value is too low right now to trade him and he should be back in two weeks. He'll help your team in the long run, so keep him stashed on the bench.

Monday, Oct. 10 at 3:25 p.m. EDT

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune passes along some quotes from Gates, who has apparently been planning on a Week 7 return since aggravating the injury against New England.

Gates acknowledged Sunday his plan all along was to come back Oct. 23 against the New York Jets.

"If something was to change physically I would have come back (sooner)," he said. "But ideally, I knew after the bye I would be good."

Although it would have been nice for fantasy owners if Gates made his plans clear at the beginning, getting him back in their lineups will certainly help. Hopefully once he does return, there are no more setbacks for one of the game's elite tight ends.