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San Diego Chargers Forum • Norv Turner says Antonio Gates is "back"

2012-05-17T19:33:47-05:00

We saw unprecedented production out of the tight end position in 2011 and that was with an unhealthy (foot) Antonio Gates.

Over the past two seasons, the foot injury has slowed down Gates and kept him out of the lineup for a total of nine games during that span. In games that he did play last year, he did not look like the elite player to which we had become accustomed to seeing.

According to his coach, that is about to change.

"Gates looks great — he's back," Turner said, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "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."

Last year, Gates ranked fifth among all tight ends in receiving yards per game (59.8) and was tied for fourth in touchdowns (seven) despite missing three games with the injury.

Had he stayed healthy and maintained his per-game pace (a career-best 78.2 YPG) back in 2010, Gates would have finished with 1,251 yards and 16 touchdowns -- numbers close to Rob Gronkowski's record-breaking numbers last year.

In other words, if Gates returns to his pre-injury level of performance, he will be a steal where he is currently being drafted (46th overall via Mock Draft Central).

Statistics: Posted by edsfootball — Thu May 17, 2012 7:33 pm

San Diego Chargers Forum • Chargers unlikely to franchise VJax

2012-03-03T15:10:31-05:00

In an interview with XERPS-AM in San Diego, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said on Friday that it is "highly unlikely" that the team will use its franchise tag on receiver Vincent Jackson.

Since San Diego used their franchise tag on Jackson in 2011, they would have to pay him roughly $14 million if they decide to use their tag on the 29-year-old receiver again this year.

"Right now, I'm not real comfortable with what I see for a tag, but we haven't ruled it out yet because we have so much to do, and we have different levels of plans that we do with different scenarios," Smith said in an interview with XERPS-AM radio (via NFL.com).

The deadline for teams to apply the franchise is Monday and Smith said the decision will come Monday, but he also said that "I can tell you right out front, it's highly unlikely, and every time I look at that situation, I don't like it, I still don't like it, but we'll see. We'll see where that goes."

Jackson's numbers last year -- 60 receptions for 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns -- weren't off much from the career highs (68-1,167-9) he set back in 2009.

That said, Jackson was wildly inconsistent.

The majority of his production came in his four best games: 27 receptions for 586 yards and seven touchdowns. In other words, Jackson had only 33 receptions for 520 yards and two touchdowns in his other 12 games.

FYI: You can track all players designated with the franchise tag here.

Statistics: Posted by edsfootball — Sat Mar 03, 2012 3:10 pm

San Diego Chargers Forum • Antonio Gates sets Chargers franchise receptions record

2011-12-25T00:56:22-05:00

From now on, every time Chargers tight end Antonio Gates catches a pass, he'll break a record. His own.

Gates broke the franchise's record for receptions when he made his 587th reception in today's loss to the Lions.

By losing today's game, the Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention.

Statistics: Posted by edsfootball — Sun Dec 25, 2011 12:56 am

San Diego Chargers Forum • VJax missed Wednesday's practice with groin injury

2011-12-22T05:40:57-05:00

Per Michael Gehlken from NBC San Diego, Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson did not practice on Wednesday.

Gehlken tweeted, "Vincent Jackson sustained groin injury during Sunday's game. Still played 45 of 62 snaps. [Coach] Norv [Turner]: "'He just came out of it a little sore.'"

Jackson is currently the No. 6 WR in our Week 16 rankings.

Statistics: Posted by edsfootball — Thu Dec 22, 2011 5:40 am