San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates tore his right plantar fascia in Week 6 of the 2010 season while playing against the New England Patriots. A year later he's still struggling to get back on the field. Following this week’s bye, there are some indications Gates will practice next week and play against the New York Jets. Accurately predicting exactly when Gates will return is about as difficult as reading tea leaves.

“There are no predictions because of what I am dealing with,” Gates said. “The hardest part about it is (at times) it feels good on Monday and then I come back on Tuesday and try to run and it still quite isn’t there.”

Gates played in the first game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings and had eight receptions for 74 yards. The following week, the Chargers once again faced the Patriots. This time Gates tore scar tissue which had built up in his right foot because of the previous injury.

There is good news. A scar tissue tear is actually part of the overall healing process. “People’s experiences are different,” Gates said. “From what I hear the tearing of the scar tissue was the release and it would be better. . . Guys have had the experience where they tore (the scar tissue) and felt fine.”

Gates, however, did not feel fine and the scar tissue tear brought about similar pain as the original tear of the planter fascia. He has not practiced since the Patriot’s game and has now been inactive for the past three games. Including last season, he has missed eight games since suffering the injury. “I had no predictions of missing this much time,” Gates said. “I am just trying to go out and tolerate as much as I can.”

On Monday, coach Norv Turner seemed optimistic Gates will play soon. “I think (Gates) is making progress,” coach Turner said. “He has a chance to get back for the Jets game. That is a day-by-day thing to see how he progresses.”

“I think the next step is to see how it feels on the field,” Gates said. “To see if I can make that transition from the practice field to the game.” Gates went on to say he may not need to practice before playing. “I am not sure if that is a common goal. I am more concerned with just being able to go play. I know how difficult it is to be able to play without practicing. With that being said, being able to practice would definitely help the situation.”

Turner also left open the possibility Gates could play without first returning to practice. “We don’t have a set rule on that,” Turner said. “I think you take it case by case.”

Gates admitted he is anxious to play. “I am very antsy on that sideline.” Gates said. “I'm used to being out there, but at the same time the objective is to win a football game. Everyone plays a role on this team. Unfortunately, my role hasn’t been participating. My role has been cheering and patting (guys) on the back.”

Fortunately the Chargers they have won seven of the eight games Gates has not played in over the past two seasons, including the last three in a row. “The team is on a great roll and I want to be a part of it,” Gates said. “I want to come back and help contribute to those victories.”

Despite the team winning without him, Gates is needed because of the challenges he presents to opposing teams’ defenses in the red zone. Gates had 10 touchdowns a year ago. Backup tight end Randy McMichael has only two touchdowns in eight games. Those were both against the Houston Texans in Week 9 of last season.

The Chargers offense is ranked 25th in the red zone this season and has only scored touchdowns in 40.91 % of its opportunities. “We spent quite a bit of time in the red zone,” Turner said of the team’s bye week practices. “We will continue to do that with the extra time we have next week.”

Quarterback Philip Rivers’ favorite target is Gates, especially in goal-line situations. If Gates could return, the offense’s red zone efficiency would likely improve. San Diego needs to be more productive in the red zone because their schedule following the bye week becomes increasingly more difficult. If they're not able to convert more scoring opportunities into touchdowns, they'll likely start losing close games instead of winning them.