Gates indicated he plans on returning for the 2018 season, but didn't rule out joining another team during the offseason, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Gates quietly faded into a backup role behind emerging young tight end Hunter Henry, but a lacerated spleen in Week 14 to the aforementioned starter thrust the 37-year-old back into the spotlight. Despite a noticeable lack of speed, Gates was still a receiving force to end the campaign, totaling 10 receptions (14 targets), 127 receiving yards and a touchdown over the final two weeks of the season. Gates himself seemed to be pleased with the performance, suggesting it "reinforced" he could still…read more

Gates indicated Sunday following the Chargers' 30-10 victory over the Raiders that he intends to play in the NFL in 2018, Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Though Gates took on even more of a backseat to second-year tight end Hunter Henry in the Chargers' passing attack in 2017, he still proved effective in a secondary role, hauling in 30 of 52 targets for 316 yards and three scores. Gates, who is set to become a free agent this offseason, will turn 38 years old in June and will most likely have to settle for a one-year deal if he elects to keep his career going.

Gates (illness) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Analysis: With Hunter Henry (kidney) on IR, Gates figures to be busy in the Chargers' passing game in Week 17 against a beatable Oakland defense. The 37-year-old tight end proved that he can still get it done in Week 16, recording a season-high six catches on eight targets for 81 yards and a TD in the Chargers' 14-7 win over the Jets.

Gates (illness) missed practice Thursday.

Analysis: We suspect that Gates will bounce back in time for Sunday's game against the Raiders, and he'll be needed this weekend, with fellow TE Hunter Henry (kidney) on IR. Gates turned in his best outing of the season in Week 16, logging six catches on eight targets for 81 yards and a TD in the Chargers' 14-7 win over the Jets.

Gates led the way in Sunday's 14-7 win over the Jets with six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown on eight targets.

Analysis: Gates stepped up in a big way in the absence of fellow tight end Hunter Henry (kidney). The 37-year-old tight end got position on 22-year-old rookie safety Jamal Adams for a three-yard touchdown in the second quarter while blowing past his previous season-highs in catches (three) and yards (32). Gates may not have much gas left in the tank speed-wise, but the savvy veteran can still create space with his big body.

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn suggested that Gates will be part of a committee at tight end with Hunter Henry (kidney) out for the season, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: While Henry's absence frees up quite a few snaps and targets, the Chargers seem to view Gates as a passing-down specialist at this advanced stage of his career. Jeff Cumberland and Sean McGrath should take on some of the vacated early-down snaps, while the Chargers' wideouts could help with the targets. The injury does help Gates' prospects for Week 16 against the Jets, but he's still unlikely to match Henry's recent level of production.

Gates caught one of three targets for a 10-yard touchdown in Saturday's 30-13 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Gates tied for fifth on the team in targets, but his 10-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter briefly gave his team its only lead of the evening. The emergence of Hunter Henry has coincided with Gates catching one or no passes in seven of the last nine games, making a return to the end zone highly unlikely in next week's matchup with the Jets, though we'll at least note Henry did leave Saturday's game with an injury of unknown severity.

Gates caught three of his four targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 19-10 win over the Browns.

Analysis: The Chargers repeatedly took advantage of their opposition's inability to cover the tight end, as Hunter Henry and Gates combined for 10 catches for 113 yards. The future Hall of Famer has firmly taken a back seat to his younger predecessor, but should Henry succumb to any sort of injury, Gates could still have some viability as a fantasy asset.

Gates did not record a catch in the 54-24 win over the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: While Gates was targeted twice throughout the game, the veteran tight end was rarely needed thanks largely to a stellar performance from the team's defense. With Hunter Henry receiving a major share of the tight- end snaps, Gates should not be considered a fantasy asset at this stage in his career.