San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates did not practice on Thursday as he continues to recover from a knee injury according to beat writer Michael Gehlken. Gates suffered the injury while facing off against the Green Bay Packers back in Week 6.
Antonio Gates misses practice on Thursday, unlikely to start for fantasy owners this week
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates did not practice on Thursday, putting his ability to start on Sunday in jeopardy. We break down the fantasy implications.
Fantasy impact: Given that Gates missed the first four games of this season due to suspension, and now looks set to sit out his second straight game due to injury, it’s been a rough go for fantasy owners who have held onto him this long.
What’s especially concerning for those who manage Gates on their roster is that the San Diego Chargers have the luxury of starting Ladarius Green. Nobody would argue that Green is better than Gates necessarily, but he’s just good enough to allow the elder tight end to take his time returning to the lineup.
Both players have proven to be effective this season, even when they are both healthy and getting reps. The Baltimore Ravens are currently one of the worst teams in the NFL and they happen to be matching up against the Chargers this week. Fantasy owners who have the rights to Gates may have to look elsewhere for now, while Green's owners can get ready to start their man without any other tight end around to steal targets in San Diego, assuming Gates doesn't play of course.
