San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has been one of the best tight ends in the league since 2004, and he looked solid on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Gates didn't need much (or any) playing time in the first two preseason games, but the Chargers brought him out with the rest of the starting offense against San Francisco and he looked good in limited time.
Antonio Gates looks good in preseason; still a productive fantasy weapon
Antonio Gates is still one of the top tight ends in football, and looked good on Sunday against the 49ers. We break down the fantasy implications.
Thearon W. Henderson
Gates caught all three passes that were thrown his way, putting up 28 yards, 10 of which came on a touchdown pass in the first quarter. Gates was up against backup inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite, who is filling in for an injured NaVorro Bowman, and Wilhoite never stood a chance.
Fantasy Impact: Gates is still one of the top tight ends in the league, though he hasn't exceeded 1,000 yards since 2009. Still, he had his highest yardage total in three seasons last year, putting up 872 yards and four touchdowns. He's still one of the top tight ends in the league and should be drafted highly among tight ends, even if guys like Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis have surpassed him.
