TE Antonio Gates is unlikely to play against 49ers has 0 comments

Dec 15th 2010, 17:30 | FFN-Score: 29 points

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is unlikely to play against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Gates, who has been playing through a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, has done very little during practices this week. Gates was inactive for this past Sunday's victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, and a short week of preparation does not appear as if it will allow enough healing time for Gates to participate, the source said Wednesday.

Gates sustained the injury during an Oct. 31 victory over the Tennessee Titans. He missed the next two games, but he played in Weeks 12 and 13, catching 10 passes and scoring a touchdown, although clearly bothered by the injury.

Gates' 50 receptions, 782 yards and 10 touchdowns lead the Chargers in spite of missing three full games.