The San Diego Chargers will not be playing QB Philip Rivers or TE Antonio Gates in their "dress rehearsal" game Friday night,reports the North County Times. Gates will be sitting out as a precautionary measure, given his injury struggles in 2011. He most likely will not play the rest of the preseason. As for Rivers, coach Norv Turner says he wants to get a better look at backup Charlie Whitehurst.
Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates To Sit Against Vikings: Fantasy Implications
The Chargers will be sitting both Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates as a precaution for Friday’s game. We break down the fantasy implications.
Analysis: At least, that's the official reason they're both sitting. The real concern for San Diego is their depleted offensive line - Jared Gaither, Nick Hardwick and Tyronne Green are all out with injuries, their status for the regular season is unknown, and the Chargers don't want to risk throwing their franchise QB out there behind rookie backups. Rivers is primed for a big comeback season, but he needs to be kept upright first. Gates is still an elite fantasy player.
For more on the Chargers, check out Bolts From The Blue.
