No San Diego Chargers player listed as doubtful for a game this season has played in that game.
On Friday, tight end Antonio Gates was one of four Chargers listed as "doubtful" for Sunday’s game at Houston.
But Gates wasn’t ready to concede he would miss a game due to injury for the first time in his eight NFL seasons.
"I know it sounds like a tape recorder," said Gates. "We just have to wait to see how I feel."
Meaning, wait until Sunday. That’s pretty much been the case since Gates was re-hobbled by a multitude of foot issues, and while he hasn’t practiced but one day over the course of the past few weeks, he’s played every game and scored an NFL-high nine touchdowns.
As is his custom, Gates is expected to step out onto the field several hours before kickoff to determine his own availability.
"Sunday morning may be an understatement this time," he said. "It might be an hour before the game now (although a decision must be made 90 minutes before kickoff). I know it’s going to be tougher (to make a decision) than it was last week."
