San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is inactive against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Gates is dealing with a sprained MCL he sustained against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. He was listed as questionable on the injury report on Friday, but most assumed he wouldn't be able to play.
Antonio Gates inactive vs. Raiders
The Chargers tight end will not be in action against San Diego’s AFC West rivals.
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Gates has played in just two games this season after serving a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. But Gates has caught on quickly in a big way, catching 18 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns in those two games. He had nine catches for 95 yards against the Packers.
In addition to the fact that he's been Philip Rivers' top target for years and years, Gates has also been historically dominant against the Raiders. He's caught 96 passes for 1,273 yards and 12 touchdowns against the Raiders over the years. Gates is in his 13th season with the Chargers, and caught 69 passes for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Ladarius Green is the second tight end on the depth chart. He's caught 22 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns thus far this season. He's been a valuable red zone option for Rivers and will get the start in Gates' absence.
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