Antonio Gates misses practice on Thursday, fantasy status for Sunday in doubt

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates sat out practice on Thursday with what is believed to be a knee injury, according to beat writer Michael Gehlken. Gates has managed to catch 18 passes in two games since returning from a four-game suspension earlier this season.

Fantasy impact: Gates suffered the injury on the last drive of last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers, but the severity of it is not known at this time. Either way, he’s missed practice time on a somewhat regular basis throughout his career, so the fact he wasn’t out there on Thursday doesn’t mean Gates is going to sit out on Sunday.

If it just so happens that he does have to sit out the game against the Oakland Raiders, the Chargers have a more than capable backup in Ladarius Green. In the two games that both tight ends have been in the lineup, Green has managed to catch eight passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, which represents similar totals to those he posted when Gates was serving his suspension.

Fantasy owners should stay updated prior to Sunday’s game before deciding to sit Gates, but those who have room on their bench might want to pick up Green now just in case.