Gates knows toe injuries shouldn’t be underestimated

By Tom Robinson  |   Tuesday, July 29, 2008  |  Comments( 34 )

San Diego Chargers
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San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates understands that when it comes to injuries in football, “serious” and “toe” are two words that people tend to have a hard time putting together. And Gates said in a press conference that even his own father had a hard time accepting that a toe injury could present a significant challenge.

Gates fought his way through pain from an ailment that he said was much more serious than the assumption that he had turf toe, itself a painful injury that has slowed or shut down elite athletes in the past. Although Gates was able to get through the pain well enough to contribute for the Chargers during the playoffs, the recovery from the injury has caused him to be placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp.

“I think most people underestimate the situation,” Gates, who also explained that his “sesamoid bone had a whole tear," said.

While playing in pain was not a risk to permanent damage to the toe, it did contribute to making his six-month recovery start later. Gates made that choice while helping the team come within a game of making the Super Bowl.

Gates had surgery, wore a boot for a month and used crutches for a month. He is working out, but he's not ready to participate in practice, putting him in the same situation as three teammates – center Nick Hardwick, fullback Andrew Pinnock and linebacker Anthony Waters – who were also placed on the PUP list last Friday.

“There is no determinant on when and how fast I will be coming back,” Gates said. “As of right now, I am in the process. I feel good. It’s a little sore, but it’s tolerable.”

Gates said he has prepared himself for the idea that he will have to deal with more pain during the ongoing recovery process.

Meanwhile, Hardwick is slowed by a foot injury, while Pinnock and Waters are each coming off knee surgery.

The Chargers are hopeful that all four will be able to come off the PUP list and join practice sessions during training camp.

Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
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