Chargers Gates Doubtful For Sunday

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates missed practice again on Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers' leading receiver with 75 receptions and nine touchdown catches this season, Gates suffered a dislocated left big toe in last Sunday's 17-6 wild card victory over the Tennessee Titans.

According to the San Diego-Union Tribune, Gates is a game-time decision and is holding out hope of playing. He will test the foot on the field Sunday prior to kickoff. "I'm trying to do everything I can," Gates told the Tribune on Thursday. "Right now, it's still a game-time decision. It's pretty sore. It felt good Tuesday, but it doesn't feel as good today. "It's a tricky situation, really it is. As far as the risk and reward, I'm trying to measure that." Though it remains unlikely that he will be able take the field Sunday, Gates is hoping for the best. Regardless of whether he tries to play Sunday, the Chargers are expected to keep Gates active with the hope he can play in the AFC championship game or Super Bowl, if the team makes it that far.

Gates also admitted Thursday that he may have to consider having surgery on the toe this offseason. "Unfortunately, I really can't say at this point whether or not I'm going to have surgery because it's still a 50-50 chance," he said. Gates said he probably will not try running until Sunday morning. "Right now, keeping pressure off of it is the best thing for it," he said. "It's just imperative that I keep the swelling out and I keep pressure off of it." The Chargers (12-5) received some good news on Friday as All-Pro fullback Lorenzo Neal (leg) had full participation in practice for a second straight day. He is listed as questionable. Neal suffered a fractured left fibula in a 23-17 overtime victory over Tennessee on December 9.