Gates catching case of injury bugs

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Injuries are so commonplace in the world of pro football that decades ago the NFL became the first league ever to issue an "Injury List" to the media each week. Because of the sheer physicality of the game itself, players find themselves hurt in ever-increasing numbers; sometimes short-term and sometimes career-ending. Then there's the group of players who get banged-up on a recurring basis, yet are able to practice through the pain and play on Sunday's. Finally, there are the Antonio Gateses of the world, supremely talented pros who fit each of the above criteria at some point in their career. The star tight end of the San Diego Chargers has missed just 11 games in nine seasons, including two so far in 2011. (He's doubtful for Sunday's Denver game with plantar fasciitis) Yet it seems that when you're talking injuries lately, Gates' is often in the conversation. He missed six games last season with a foot injury as well, practicing less than half the time. In spite of that, he was invited to the Pro Bowl, the seventh time in a row he was picked to start. He was also voted an All-Pro for the fifth time. High hopes abounded for Gates and the Chargers after missing the playoffs last year. But as the Chargers have avoided another early season slump, going 3-1, Gates has been unable to avoid the injury bug. And much of the time so far in 2011 he hasn't been able to practice. It definitely puts a strain on a team trying to prepare for their next opponent, but Quarterback Philip Rivers says worrying about who won't play is useless and he refuses to let it become a distraction. "We just practice and play with the guys we have," said Rivers, "and prepare the best we can. Sure, it would be great to have Antonio out there because when he's healthy he's such a big part of our team. He definitely makes us better. But we can't worry about him missing practice or a game(Vincent) Jackson too. If they can play, great. If not, we move on. The good thing is that we've all been around and played with each other for a while and practiced together in the past, so if they are ready to go on Sunday, it's won't be a difficult transition at all." Among the Charger players who have endured numerous injuries, Linebacker Takeo Spikes can relate to Gates, Bob Sanders or anyone else who's seen their career flash before their eyes at various times. While with Buffalo in 2005, Spikes tore his right Achilles' tendon tackling Atlanta's Michael Vick, ending his season on September 25. In 2006 he was hampered by another Achilles' tear, and in 2007 tore his rotator cuff. Yet, in 2011 he's in his 14th season and is healthy as ever. "Staying in shape is what I do," Spikes said after a practice earlier this week. "Tuesday is a day off around here, but not for me. I'm working on something all the time. I know that guys take the day and relax, prop themselves up on the couch and watch TV, whatever they do on their off day. Heck, I don't even watch very much TV unless is something I record then watch when I have timewhich isn't very often. "As you get older, I think it's important to stay in good shape can all year. This is a game of getting beat up, getting hurt, and having been seriously injured a few times, I'm going to do everything I can to be ready every week and walk away from the games and practices as healthy as possible." The two-time Pro Bowler and All Pro said he's changed his workout routine out of wantand need. "Definitely both," said the soft-spoken Georgia native who played collegiately at Auburn. "I love working out; it's what I like and what I need to do. In this profession, if you don't do everything you can to be in top condition, it could come back to hurt you. It's not that well-conditioned people don't get hurt; that happens every week. It's just that extra work on your shoulders or hamstrings might prevent an injury, or decrease the recovery time if you are injured. "It's hard for any of us as NFL players and teammates to see someone's season end like Bob (Sanders' did last week). It hurts to see it happens. And in Antonio's case, he's trying everything he can to get back and be part of this, and I know he's hurting inside more than he is with his foot. That's how great players react. And Antonio is a beast out there."