If you had watched Chargers practice on Wednesday, 30-year-old Antonio Gates would have looked 70. He had to get around the facilities with assistance from a scooter because he couldn't walk. Already dealing with toe and ankle ailments to his left foot, Gates told the media Wednesday that he tore the plantar fascia in his right foot during week eight's win against Tennessee. "It's the worst feeling in the world," Gates said. "Sometimes you feel your career is coming to an end." Gates was examined for plantar fasciitis in May, but said it didn't bother him until the Oct. 24 game versus New England. "My (right) foot was on fire," Gates said. "It was so bad, it was like my toe and ankle didn't bother me anymore." Then he made it worse last week, resulting in a true tear. He said he felt so bad after the latest game, he privately ruled himself out for this Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans. His tuned has changed a little. "I hope I can go," Gates said.

Fantasy Analysis:

This is certainly an injury that will stay with Gates for the entire season. Only rest, therapy and anti-inflammatory meds can help heal plantar fasciitis. Whether he can play will depend on how well Gates manages the pain, because there is going to be a lot of pain. Walking, much less running and cutting on routes at full speed, could prove to be a chore for him. Gates has been a guy who has suited up through all kinds of injures in his career, but to play football, being able to walk is sort of essential. We'll keep tabs on his status throughout the week, but you should expect him to not take part in any practices. That's nothing new for Gates, but there now seems to be a realistic chance he won't be able to give it a full go in Houston. In a separate-but-related comment, what the heck is going on with the receivers in San Diego? They have apparently caught the injury bug that fell upon the Colts a couple of weeks ago. It's spreading across the nation!