Gates is back

[sonorajim]

Turner: Antonio Gates is physically 'back'

Michael Gehlken
1:35 p.m., May 17, 2012


A full offseason seems to be doing wonders for Antonio Gates.

Last month, the Chargers tight end said he was "excited" to prove he's still an elite player at his position after being slowed the past two seasons to a foot injury.

On Thursday, coach Norv Turner affirmed the All-Pro's progress.

"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."

This time last year, Gates was still recovering from a plantar fascia injury.

He was unable to work with the team's athletic trainers due to the lockout.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/...ysically-back/

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No less than expected but nice to hear anyway. Gates is really exceptional and was looking better than most by the end of last season.

[Rivers4MVP]

He also hasn't played in a live game yet. Of course he is healthy now..

[bgmacn2002]

Originally Posted by Rivers4MVP

He also hasn't played in a live game yet. Of course he is healthy now..

Wow..

Atleast it sounds promising, good news..

[Kemp17]

He was healthy to end the season. Otherwise he would never have played in the pro bowl. And he posted solid numbers to close out the year.

The man had 64 catches, 778 yards, and 7 TD's on a gimpy year. He's back to form and his numbers will be back up too. Believe that.

[vicsteele]

Shhhhhhhhhh.

[Rivers4MVP]

Originally Posted by bgmacn2002

Wow..

Atleast it sounds promising, good news..

It is promising, but it doesn't mean too much until he actually plays.

[sonorajim]

Originally Posted by Rivers4MVP

He also hasn't played in a live game yet. Of course he is healthy now..

Yeah, he did. Gates started every game after the bye week in 2011 made plays and finished the season with 64 catches for 778 yds and 7 TDs. VJ had 60 catches for 1106 yds and 9 TDs- to give a comparison.

He's running more freely now and there's no reason to expect a relapse. It hasn't been an up and down issue since mid October, 2011.

[LarryAW]

Originally Posted by Rivers4MVP

It is promising, but it doesn't mean too much until he actually plays.

He's been dealing with a chronic injury that bothered him every single day of the year. Being healthy at any point in time is significant for him. Obviously, it doesn't mean he's immune to future injuries.

[Bigbirdsd]

This is major news, now every defense we play against will have to adjust to cover him like they did 3 years ago. This is the best news I've heard out of Charger camp so far and I think it's just going to get better and better.

[BleedBolts]

I think its great that he feels back to his old self. I am just curious to see how it holds up during camp and into the season. I would appreciate it if any of the 'foot specialist' would chime in on how his previous injury will hold up and if it is possibly for him to be 100% again with no lingering issues. Getting Gates back is a huge boost to our offense. Rivers does need to spread the ball around a little better though. It seems that when Gates is in there, Rivers locks onto him and goes to him too often.