Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is no longer taking a week-to-week approach with his torn plantar fascia. He wasn't expected to play in the last few games of the regular season because of increased pain and decreased effectiveness following a Dec. 5 loss to Oakland, but Gates refused to rule himself out.
Now he's thinking long term, with the hope of playing at close to full strength should the Chargers make the playoffs.
"Time is the key. There's not magical treatment for an injury like this," Gates said. "Just because I hope to come back if we end up making the postseason, there's no guarantee that I'll be able to go. It gives me a chance."
More injuries
Malcom Floyd missed practice on Wednesday, and last week's game versus San Francisco, with an injury to the opposite hamstring than the one he tore Oct. 17 at St. Louis. The new injury, which happened Dec. 14 during practice, isn't as bad and shouldn't keep Floyd out on Sunday against Cincinnati. But it's a frustrating setback after he had recovered from the initial ailment.
"I guess the other hamstring got mad because I wasn't paying enough attention," Floyd said in jest. "I'm certainly focused on it now. It isn't as bad as the other one, but it is a disappointment that I'm dealing with another injury just after getting healthy again."
This could be good news for Vincent Jackson owners. VJax should be Rivers' main target and if you didn't see last week's game - that's a good thing. Jackson is one of our top rated receivers this week.
