ESPN reported today that San Diego TE Antonio Gates will play on his injured toe, despite the risk of reinjury. Gates did not practice at all this week, but is officially listed as questionable for the game.
Gates has a history of playing through pain, but even he says that he can’t guarantee that he’ll play. On Friday, Gates said that he “hates to make assumptions,” meaning he is truly a game-time decision on Sunday. He’ll go out prior to the game and test things out. He’s listed as questionable, but if I were a betting man, I’d pick the play side.
In the divisional playoff 28-24 win over the Colts, Gates had two catches for 28 yards. In the 21-12 title game loss to the Patriots, Gates had two catches for 17 yards.
Things to look for from the Patriots – the season debut of CB Terrence Wheately, the possible debut of rookie Sergio Brown, who was promoted to the 53-man roster yesterday to give New England some needed safety depth with Jarrad Page (calf) out and James Sanders (hamstring) hobbling, and if defensive players on either side of the ball, particularly Brandon Meriweather, seem to hesitate at all in the wake of this week’s head-and-neck hits controversy.