The San Diego Chargers will be without Antonio Gates for four games to start the season after the tight end was suspended for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs and after the news broke, Gates said in a statement that he did not knowingly take anything illegal.
Gates was among a number of players suspended for violations heading into July 4, including Rolando McClain and Sheldon Richardson. According to Pro Football Talk, Gates has been suspended for the first four games of the year for the Chargers and he reportedly took a supplement that was on the NFL's list of banned substances. Gates said in his statement that "ignorance is no excuse" and that it was his responsibility to know what he was taking.
Gates will be out for games against the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns for the Chargers. Last season Gates has a strong year for quarterback Philip rivers, putting up 69 catches for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns. Gates is 34 years old and has been one of the most reliable tight ends in football during his career.
Ladarius Green likely will start for Gates if the suspension hold up and it comes after he has had limited production for the Chargers over the past two years. Green has played in all but two games, but he has put up just 36 catches for 602 yards and three touchdowns in that time. Green now could get the chance to have more responsibility on offense and he has the size and athleticism to take over for Gates.
The Chargers offense is expected to be strong and they have Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson, Malcom Floyd, Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver for Philip Rivers. Gates has been a steady performer for the Chargers over the years and he has hooked up with Gates for a number of big touchdowns in that time and he will be tough to replace even for just four games.
