San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates returned to practice on Friday, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Antonio Gates practices Friday, is a valuable fantasy tight end for Week 11
The Chargers’ veteran tight end is on schedule to suit up once again on Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
Gates was limited in practice on Wednesday, but sat out on Thursday due to a hip injury that has reportedly surfaced due to Gates compensating for a previous knee injury. Gates injured his knee on the last drive of Week 6's loss to the Green Bay Packers, but returned in Week 8 and hasn't missed any action since. That streak appears set to continue on Sunday.
Fantasy impact: With the Chargers having to take the field without Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd, all hands on deck are needed in the passing game. Gates has never been a stranger to taking the field at less than 100 percent, so fantasy owners shouldn't be hesitant to plug him into lineups once again.
Gates remains a primary option for a fabulous quarterback in Philip Rivers and should have plenty of chances to produce even against an emerging Kansas City Chiefs defense. As a result, he is firmly in TE1 territory.
