Chargers TE Antonio Gates near 100%?

[Coachnorm]

San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said TE Antonio Gates looks great this offseason and appears to be fully recovered from the plantar fascia injury he dealt with last season. "Gates looks great -- he's back," Turner said. "Physically, he's back to where we want him to be. I think, like anybody, going through this offseason program helps you get better. (It's) the combination of conditioning, the combination of getting better in the areas you can improve, and being out there with your teammates."

Gates has played through a lot of pain which you have to admire and has remained productive. But you have to wonder at times how good he could have been if he had ever got the foot fixed.

 

[gizzil]

you can get that **** fixed???

 

[Orgazmo]

Oh sure. Now. Let's see how that foot holds up when 260 pounds starts running and cutting on it with some regularity.

 

[gizzil]

yeah ive had this issue on and off for like 10 years... pretty sure it just lingers

 

[Miller]

I don't think Gates will ever be 100% again.....the question comes down to how healthy can he get and is that % better than your other options at TE.

 

[Coachnorm]

I don't think Gates will ever be 100% again.....the question comes down to how healthy can he get and is that % better than your other options at TE.

He clearly used to be the best at his craft, so much so, that you could draft him a round earlier than the rest and it would pay off. But not getting the foot fixed has slowed him down enough that you have to decide, like Miller said, what % you will get and where that puts him among the other elite TEs

 

[Orgazmo]

In redrafts he'll likely play up to his usual 3rd round cost - but since he'll be there a little later, he becomes a value pick. You can't count on him to make it through the season, so enjoy the points while they're there.

 

[RLLD]

In past years I would still grab him, early too, and typically I benefited from him. This year, maybe I do let him slide and take him later if he falls. There are a few other interesting options out there.