Update: Gates told the Associated Press he was "incredibly sore" after Thursday's practice. "I wanted to see how I would respond to defenders being in the way and making unexpected cuts in the flow of a route," Gates said. "Everything has been controlled to this point. I didn't finish, but I'm incredibly sore." Friday will be a critical day for him, but it doesn't sound like he will practice. He was reportedly grimacing through the interview session. -- With all of the negative press surrounding Chargers tight end Antonio Gates -- the tremendous amount of pain he's in, the every-week doubt from pundits that he'll play, the discussions with San Diego coaches regarding him sitting out the rest of the season -- he took a very positive step Thursday toward playing this week. Specifically, Gates practiced, albeit in limited fashion. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune broke the news on his Twitter account, expressing a mixture of surprise and jubilation that I'm sure resides in all Chargers fans when they hear such developments about their injured All Pro. "Gates practicing!" Acee wrote. Gates has missed the past two games because of foot injuries, the most concerning one being a torn right plantar facsia. He told the Union-Tribune on Wednesday that he's feeling better but nowhere near comfortable. "I've been through pain, but this is painful," Gates said.

Fantasy Analysis:

We'll update Gates' status on Friday, but if he practices in any manner tomorrow, you can pretty much suspect that he'll be active against the Colts. Indy has been one of the best at shutting down the tight end, but players from that position have scored against the Colts in each of the past two weeks. Regardless, you know that Gates should be in your lineup if he plays. It may not be pretty and he may have to miss some extra plays to give his feet a rest, but he's still a must-start.