Antonio Gates returns to practice for Chargers

Nov 3, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) looks at the scoreboard from the bench against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Diego Chargers host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon as they look to build off of their big win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 and when the team took the field for their final practice on Friday, they received some good news as tight end Antonio Gates made an appearance.

Gates has been dealing with a hamstring issue all week, but it is not expected to affect his status for Sunday.

From Michael Gehlken of the U-T San Diego:

Antonio Gates rested hamstring ailment for much of this week. But he is practicing today. Chargers TE fully expected to start Sunday.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 29, 2013

The San Diego Chargers are still in the mix for the second AFC Wild Card spot after watching the Pittsburgh Steelers fall to the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night, so they will need all of the offensive firepower they can get for a potential playoff run.

Without Gates, the team could still find a way to make things work, but Gates certainly helps their chances.

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