Knee Injury May Keep Chargers TE Antonio Gates Out Multiple Weeks

USA Today

The San Diego Chargers appear to be headed in a downward spiral. The once-promising team led by arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Philip Rivers, is now sitting in third place in the AFC West division with playoff hopes quickly fading away.

The Chargers have lost three straight games and are coming off a devastating loss to the division rival Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Derek Carr and company made easy work of the Chargers in San Diego after Rivers’ squad came one play away from beating the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field a week earlier.

Unfortunately, the team may continue to struggle with San Diego potentially losing veteran tight end Antonio Gates for a few more weeks. Gates returned off suspension in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. San Diego lost, but Gates put on an impressive offensive display.

Although Gates has played well since returning, a knee injury appears to have flared up which kept him out last week against Oakland and will continue to keep him sidelined moving forward. Gates could miss multiple games with the injury, according to Michael Gehlken of San Diego Union-Tribune.

It wouldn't surprise if Antonio Gates' MCL proves to be multiple-week injury. Wasn't close to playing Sunday vs. Raiders.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) October 26, 2015

Without Gates on the field, Rivers may find it difficult to keep the Chargers competitive on the offensive side of the football. Although the veteran gunslinger has played well at times, Rivers has had to single-handedly lead this team while the Denver Broncos (6-0) and Raiders (3-3) control the AFC West.

In two games this season, Gates has caught 18 passes for 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Solid numbers for 35-year-old veteran many have written as being over-the-hill in his 13th NFL season.