I couldn't get to my usual Sunday morning post regarding the inactives for the day's early action. I greatly appreciate my colleague Matt De Lima picking up the slack. But I will write about the inactives for tonight's game, and the two most notable inclusions are Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and Ryan Mathews . Gates has been battling foot problems for the majority of the season, but the torn plantar fascia on his right foot is the main reason he's out tonight. He was listed as questionable on the injury report, but will miss his second consecutive game. Randy McMichael , who caught two touchdowns in Gates' place back in week nine, will get the start. Mathews' disappointing season continues and he is hampered by an injured ankle. He, like Gates, didn't practice all week, so Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles will see most of the work out of the backfield. Wide receiver Legedu Naanee is also inactive, but Malcom Floyd will make his return after a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. He was listed as probable on the injury report. There are no interesting inactives for the Broncos. As expected, Eddie Royal will play despite being listed as questionable with a bum hamstring.

Fantasy Analysis:

The biggest news is here is that Tolbert will get the majority of touches for San Diego. He should be a great start against Denver's weak run defense. If you have McMichael, obviously you are starting him if you waited this long to play a tight end. The feeling during the week was that Gates was getting healthier. Slightly healthier. It's going to be an on-going process for the rest of the season and this probably won't be the last game he misses in 2010.