Chargers declared Antonio Gates (ribs) and Ryan Mathews (clavicle) active for Sunday's game against the Falcons, as expected.

Gates practiced in full on both Thursday and Friday, looking good both days. He's locked and loaded as a TE1. The Chargers declared Ronnie Brown inactive, a sign that they're very comfortable with Ryan Mathews' health. He'll start and be supported by Curtis Brinkley in a change-of-pace role. Other Chargers inactives: LT Jared Gaither, NT Antonio Garay, CB Shareece Wright, TE Ladarius Green, ILB Jonas Mouton and SS Brandon Taylor.

Antonio Gates (ribs) practiced again on Friday, turning in his third straight workout of the week.

The San Diego beat writers fully expect Gates to start against the Falcons after getting last week off to rest. He'll be a top-six fantasy tight end play.

Antonio Gates (ribs) expects to play versus the Falcons after putting in a full practice on Thursday.

Gates confirmed that his injured ribs feel better than they did a week ago. "The reps that Gates got, he was full speed and looked good," said coach Norv Turner. Check back Friday afternoon for confirmation, but it looks like Gates will be "probable" for Sunday's game.

Antonio Gates (ribs) practiced for the second straight day Thursday.

It's possible Gates was getting in another limited session, but it's still an excellent sign for his Sunday status. Gates will likely be listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, and after last Sunday's surprise deactivation, nothing should be assumed until inactives are announced. It looks like he's going to suit up against the Falcons, however.

Coach Norv Turner said Antonio Gates (ribs) was "moving fast" and "looked good" during a limited practice Wednesday.

The Chargers are monitoring how Gates' body responds to Wednesday's activity. For now, it appears safe to pencil him into Week 3 lineups. Gates nearly played in Week 2 before being scratched at the last minute.

Antonio Gates (ribs) participated in Wednesday's practice.

It's a good sign after Gates managed to get in only one limited practice last week before being deactivated for Sunday's win. Gates was reportedly a game-time call against the Titans, and though he's become a bit of a tough injury case to crack, all the early signs suggest he'll play against the Falcons.

The Chargers reportedly held out hope that Antonio Gates (ribs) would play in Week 2 until Sunday morning.

It confirms that Gates was close to playing against the Titans Sunday. The Union-Tribune takes that as a sign that he'll be able to suit up against the Falcons next week. There have been no reports that Gates has any fractures in his ribs. "Mentally, it's so hard to play this game and not practice. ... I didn't feel good about it," he said.

Chargers declared TE Antonio Gates (ribs) inactive for Sunday's game against the Titans.

It's a major surprise. Without Gates and Ryan Mathews (collarbone), the Chargers' offense is handcuffed. Randy McMichael will start at tight end, but he's a weak play for fantasy owners. In the four games that Gates missed last year, McMichael averaged just 3.0 catches for 27.7 yards with no touchdowns. The other Chargers' inactives: OT Jared Gaither, NT Antonio Garay, LB Jonas Mouton, DB Brandon Taylor and DB Shareece Wright.

The Union-Tribune says Antonio Gates (ribs) "looks like a go" for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Gates' ribs appear to be sore, not fractured. If that's the case, he's played well through worse injuries in the past. We'll know his official status by 3:30 p.m. ET, but most signs point toward an "active" designation.

Antonio Gates (ribs) returned to Chargers practice Friday.

Gates got two days off after banging his ribs in the second game of Monday night's double-dip. He returned to the contest and should be fine to start against the Titans. Mike Clay and Chris Wesseling have Gates as the No. 5 tight end.

Antonio Gates (ribs) was held out of Chargers practice for the second straight day Thursday.

It's a concern, because Gates was expected to return today after sitting out on Wednesday. Gates re-entered Monday's win after going down, but for only a handful of snaps. He was in visible pain on the sideline. For now, consider him questionable and a possible game-time decision for Sunday's 4:25ET tilt with the Titans. His status will be updated in the next 24 hours.

Antonio Gates (ribs) is expected to return to Chargers practice Thursday.

"A little sore," Gates sat out on Wednesday, but the move was purely precautionary. Despite his latest nick, Gates will be a TE1 as usual against the Titans.

Antonio Gates (ribs) was held out of Wednesday's practice.

Gates suffered the injury in Monday's win, but ended up playing through it. The Chargers are almost certainly just playing things safe with their veteran tight end. Gates may need to be outfitted with a flak jacket, but he should be ready to roll for Sunday's showdown with the Titans.

Antonio Gates caught four passes for 43 yards in Week 1.

Gates was targeted nine times on the night and would have put up better numbers if not for a couple of drops, one in the endzone and one for a possible 25-yard gain down the left sideline. Gates also missed some snaps in the third quarter to a rib injury, which doesn't look to be serious. He'll go up against a Titans defense next week that allowed 12 catches, 119 yards, and two touchdowns to Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in Week 1.

Antonio Gates played 12 snaps in the preseason finale, catching three passes for 44 yards.

The simple fact that Gates was allowed to even play in the fourth preseason game is an extremely good sign. It's the first time he's done so since 2004. "I've got something to prove," Gates said. "It bothered me at one point, because I couldn't show it because of my physical (injury)." He'll enter Week 1 at 100 percent.

Antonio Gates still appears "as healthy as he's ever been," according to the North County Times.

Gates won't play in Friday's third preseason game as a precaution. He'll likely rest in the exhibition finale as well, leaving him with three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown this August. Most importantly, Gates' foot issues appear behind him by all accounts. The 2012 Draft Guide ranks him third among fantasy tight ends.

Chargers S Eric Weddle said that Antonio Gates "hasn't looked this good since my rookie season."

Weddle has been matching up with Gates in practice since 2007. "He's going to be the best tight end in the NFL this year," Weddle said Thursday. "The best. You can't guard him ... I know there are a lot good tight ends coming up in the league, but Antonio is the best. He looks that good." By virtually all accounts, Gates is at 100 percent right now.

After visiting Chargers camp, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport stated that he believes Antonio Gates is primed for a "big, big season."

"The best thing is, he can actually run," Rapoport said. "... He is in shape. He looks skinny. He was burning cornerbacks left and right in practice. ... He is feeling healthier now than he's been in a couple of years. He is really looking like he's primed for a big, big season." We are also convinced Gates has at least one mammoth year left. His current ADP is the fifth round.

Antonio Gates is running with no limp at training camp.

Gates' foot woes appear to be behind him. He participated in OTAs and minicamp without issue and has been all smiles since training camp started. "I appreciate my health so much now that I've got it back," Gates said. He's 32 now and remains an injury risk, but few tight ends are better in the red zone.

Coach Norv Turner said that Antonio Gates has just completed his best minicamp during their time together.

Turner is entering his sixth season as head coach of the Chargers. Even if it's just coachspeak, his words are notable because of Gates' chronic foot problems. The Chargers have expressed nothing but optimism regarding their 32-year-old tight end all offseason.