Antonio

Gates

Eli Manning was not elected in his first year on the ballot. Gates is widely viewed as one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the sport, and finished his career with 955 receptions and 116 receiving touchdowns. Sharpe — brother of tight end Shannon Sharpe — was dominant before his career ended short due to a neck injury, retiring after amassing 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns in 112 starts. Jared Allen was a four-time first-team All-Pro for the Chiefs and Vikings, leading the league in sacks twice and becoming one of three players (with T.J. Watt and Justin Houston) to notch 22 or more sacks in a season since 2001. Eric Allen was a stalwart corner for the Eagles, Raiders, and Saints. His 54 interceptions are tied for 21st in NFL history, and he had eight career pick-sixes.

He’ll be evaluated on Sunday.

At this point, Gates’ injury is not believed to be serious. But check back this week to make sure.

Gates is questionable with a foot injury. Definitely check to see if he practices Friday and check out the pregame inactives list Sunday morning.

He should be ready for week one and is one of many strong tight end sleepers this season.

He’s out of his protective boot, but may not practice until next week. This doesn’t effect his value yet.

It may be tough to bottle their magic again, but San Diego will have enviable continuity. Drew Brees should get franchised, the Chargers will look for help in the secondary, and safety Jerry Wilson will test the open markey.

The letter says if Gates doesn’t sign by Saturday, they will hold him out of the first regular season game. For each successive missed game, he’ll be suspended another regular season contest without pay. It’s a risky move by the Chargers, but one that will probably result in Gates showing up soon.

Referring to San Diego’s ultimatem, Gates’ agent said, ''That letter does not change what Antonio and I had agreed on doing up to that point.’' The two sides have not spoken since the letter was sent, so it looks like Gates will miss one regular season game. Start dropping him down your draft list.

''Antonio and I believe (the Chargers) backed themselves into a corner,’' Gates’ agent said. ''Our interpretation is they could call the commissioner and request he lift the roster exemption.’' It sounds like Gates still has a chance to play in week one. At most, he’ll miss that game. That’s not a big blow to his fantasy value.