Chargers Desperately Need Antonio Gates to Play Against New England
Such is the nature of the National Football League, and the Chargers now must face the reality of a must-win game against one of the better teams in the AFC. The AFC West isn’t the strongest division so losing this weekend wouldn’t kill San Diego’s chances, but they certainly don’t want to start the season 2-5. If they’re missing Antonio Gates, they may not have a choice.
One player normally won’t make or break a team’s chances, but Gates is about as close as it gets on that front. The Chargers have already been without their top wide receiver in Vincent Jackson, who remains a holdout. Malcom Floyd has filled in admirably in Jackson’s absence, but he suffered a hamstring injury against the Rams on Sunday and isn’t expected to play this weekend. Legedu Naanee is battling a hamstring injury of his own and was unable to go on against St. Louis. The Chargers are “hopeful” Gates can suit up against New England with a toe injury, but if he can’t it could be a long day for San Diego.
It’s no secret that the Patriots’ weakest component is their pass defense. Without Gates, Floyd, and Naanee, it’s tough to imagine a Philip Rivers and the Chargers would be able to exploit that weakness. If San Diego’s slow start persists and the injury bug starts getting a hold of them, Chargers fans may be headed for the ledge.