Chargers HC Norv Turner confirmed that Antonio Gates (plantar fasciitis) is healthy. “I did get to see him during the two-day period that the lockout was lifted and he’s excited that his rehab is going well," Turner said.
Gates caught 29 passes for 478 yards and seven touchdowns during the first five games of the 2010 season before injuring his foot Week 6 at St. Louis. He managed 304 yards and three touchdowns in the season’s final 11 games, missing six due to the injury.
“He’s going to be our lead guy (in 2011),” Turner said. “It’s a shame he got hurt a year ago because he was not only going to have his career-best year but maybe the best year ever by a tight end.