Chargers' Antonio Gates: May return with limited role

Gates (hamstring) may have a limited role even if he returns for Sunday's game in Oakland, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Gates is listed as questionable, but his ability to log a full practice Friday suggests he should be able to play. The larger question, perhaps, is just how involved he'll be in the offense, as rookie Hunter Henry has shined in the 36-year-old's absence. Given that Gates isn't much of a blocker and may be at less than 100 percent, Henry could handle the larger snap count of the two. However, if Gates does indeed take the field, he should still be one of Philip Rivers' favorite weapons for third downs and in the red zone.