As expected, Antonio Gates ' injured toe kept him out of the San Diego Chargers' practice Friday. He is listed as questionable to play Sunday against the New England Patriots. The San Diego Union-Tribune stated that the "smart guess" is he will still play even though he hasn't practiced all week. The Chargers certainly hope Gates will be OK; they need him badly. Wide receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee are listed as doubtful and not expected to play. That leaves Patrick Crayton and Buster Davis as the team's most proven receiving options if Gates can't play. Davis returned to practice today after missing Thursday's session due to sore ribs.

Fantasy Analysis:

Forgive me if I sound like Tom Cable, but unless Gates suffers a setback in the next 40 hours, he and his ailing toe will be starting against the Patriots and thus, you have to start him. Sure, the matchup is there. The Patriots have allowed three TDs to tight ends and they were abused by Dustin Keller, the best tight end they've faced to date, in wek two. But no one is as good as Antonio Gates right now. Gates is used to playing through injuries and playing well. He'll do so again in week seven and you should go ahead and expect another big game.