According to media reports, San Diego Chargers All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Gates, considered by many to be one of the best pass-catching tight ends of all-time, and a likely Hall Of Fame candidate, is a huge loss to quarterback Philip Rivers and San Diego’s high-powered vertical passing offense.
In 16 games for the Chargers, the 6’4, 35-year-old Gates caught 69 passes for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns for a San Diego team that finished third in the top-heavy AFC West at 9-7.
With Gates out for the first four games, San Diego faces a now huge uphill climb as they face playoff contenders such as the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and improved clubs such as the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns.