Sunday, July 22, 2018

Chargers Rumors: Antonio Gates To Return in 2018?

Posted by Doc Fantasy
Sunday, July 22, 2018 | 0 comments

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Potenial Reunion: Antonio Gates Back to Chargers
Date: July 22nd | 2018

When Tight End Hunter Henry went down for the season with an ACL injury, the Los Angeles Chargers weren’t left with a ton of options. The team does have five tight ends heading into NFL training camp, although, none look like they could win the starting job outside of Virgil Green, a free agent offseason pickup.

However, it now appears that Chargers GM Tom Telesco is open to the idea of reaching out to Antonio Gates about a potential comeback to the team.

On a local Los Angeles sports radio show, Telesco was asked if bringing Antonio Gates back was something the team would do and he replied: “He remains open to that being a possibility.”

Bringing back Antonio Gates may not be that bad of an idea, as he could provide leadership for the tight end group as well as his understanding of the Chargers playbook. Gates was a mentor to a lot of the younger players on the team and had the respect of the players. Another person who would love to have Gates back is quarterback Phillip Rivers. The Duo has 73 combined touchdowns together setting an NFL record. Their chemistry of being together for so long makes it easy for Gates to slide back into that role.

Fantasy Take

From a fantasy football aspect, this situation is one that I would monitor or steer clear of. I’m not expecting the Antonio Gates of old to step on the field and produce ridiculous numbers. Gates could add some value to the red zone, but he’ll be a high-risk fantasy start, even in the deepest of leagues. Hunter Henry is the tight end to own in this offense but with two severe injuries in both of his years playing it is something we as fantasy football players have to keep a close eye on going forward.

Source: ESPN
Written By: Chris Nalls | @CNalls83