Gates 'Incredibly Sore' After Limited Practice
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates was in pain as he tried to practice in a limited role Thursday.
Gates has missed the last two games because of a torn plantar fascia in his right foot. He said Wednesday that he wanted to practice in the days leading up to Sunday night's game at Indianapolis to gauge his progress.
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates will wait until Friday to reassess his status for Sunday. (Getty Images)
Thursday was his chance, as he participated in individual drills and a select number of team plays.
"I wanted to see how I would respond to defenders being in the way and making unexpected cuts in the flow of a route," Gates said. "Everything has been controlled to this point. I didn't finish, but I'm incredibly sore."
Gates was clearly in pain after practice, grimacing through an interview session. He said was able to move well but wasn't optimistic. He said he'll wait until Friday to determine if he truly took a positive step toward playing Sunday night at Indianapolis.
"I did this kind of running last week and then I couldn't go for two days," Gates said. "I couldn't even walk on a treadmill. I don't know what my response is going to be, but I feel like I'm making progress. But it's so painful, and I have to figure out if I can play through that."
Gates also has to factor in the artificial turf at Lucas Oil Stadium, which could be a deterrent. Gates hopes little steps like Thursday's practice will expedite his rehab and get him back on the field, whether it's this week or in the future.
"The soreness is going to be there, and I have to deal with it," Gates said. "I'm trying to speed this process up as much as I can by working through the soreness, so I can get back on the field as quickly as possible."
Gates has 40 catches for 663 yards and nine touchdowns.
Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
