RADIO
If you held onto San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates through his four game suspension to start the 2015 season, you probably felt like it paid off once he returned.
In the two games he played thus far this season, he caught 18 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. The 35-year-old once again proved himself as a reliable TE1 as long as he’s on the football field. Unfortunately, his status for Week 8 and beyond is in question.
According to The Union-Tribune San Diego’s Michael Gehlken it “wouldn’t be a surprise” is Gates was forced to miss multiple games with a sprained MCL.
"The MCL is a big part of my game," Gates said. "If I'm not able to move laterally, I'm not the same player. That's what makes me me."
This news obviously doesn’t make Gates’ fantasy football owners very happy, but you shouldn’t drop him from your roster. The amount of time Gates will miss with this injury is still up in the air. He could return much sooner than expected.
Ladarius Green will be a TE1 as long as Gates is out of action. Green has already proven himself this season with 26 receptions for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Although he has yet to earn quarterback Philip Rivers’ trust like Gates has, he’s every bit as talented. And with the lack of options in the passing game, Rivers will be forced to target Green early and often.
In other news, Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Phillip Dorsett is scheduled to have surgery on his fractured lower left leg and will miss at least 4-6 weeks. Despite the Colts having plenty of receiving options, Dorsett plans to return to the football field as soon as possible.
"I don't think (there is) any nerve or ligament damage," Dorsett said, according to the Indianapolis Star. "Just a clean fracture."
I understand why Dorsett wants to hurry back to the field, but the Colts coaching staff must urge patience. With Donte Moncrief, Andre Johnson, T.Y. Hilton, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, the team does not need Dorsett this season. Indianapolis may want to consider sitting the rookie for the rest of the season so he doesn’t risk permanent damage.
Like any rookie, Dorsett has struggled with inconsistency. He has 11 receptions for 167 yards and one touchdown through seven games this season. He should be held in all dynasty and keeper leagues.
