Ailing Gates opens door for Manumaleuna

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:16 AM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers' Mike Goff was asked to spell Pro Bowler Antonio Gates' backup's last name. Goff, who dresses next to Brandon Manumaleuna in the locker room, first stole a peak at the tight end's name plate.

Come Sunday, Manumaleuna might be better known to all the Chargers and their fans.

The Chargers returned to work Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game with the Indianapolis Colts. But they did so without Gates, the team's leading receiver.

Gates dislocated his left toe in Sunday's win over the Titans and was getting around in a walking boot. It doesn't appear he'll be fit when the Chargers try to advance to their first AFC title game since the 1994 season.

"We'll see where he's at later in the week,'' coach Norv Turner said. "I have hope that he will be able to play.''

And if he can't?

"He's such weapon and can do so many things that he draws attention away from other people,'' Turner said. "Some of the looks we get on the outside, single coverage and those type things might be a little different.''

Manumaleuna, unlike the sure-handed Gates, makes his living blocking people instead of catching passes.

"It's a nice opportunity, but I approach every game like I'm going to start because you never know,'' said Manumaleuna, who had 10 receptions for 86 yards and a score during the regular season. "So this is just like a regular game.''

Manumaleuna started seven games this season when the team opened with a double tight end alignment. But in those instances, he was counted on to block.

Not so, come Sunday; his teammates, while missing Gates, aren't worried.

"Brandon's going to be asked to do a lot,'' quarterback Philip Rivers said. "I think, and I mentioned this the other day, Brandon is a starting tight end in this league, with his ability and his experience. It just so happens he and Gates are here together, which we reap the benefits of that."

Neal returns

Fullback Lorenzo Neal practiced for the first time since fracturing his fibula against the Titans on Dec. 9.

"I think it's mostly just confidence, just being out there, you know, getting back in the feel of the game and just knowing your assignments,'' Neal said. "I mean, football doesn't change. You've got to just know who you're blocking and just work on the technique.

"Today was just one of those days you just wanted to get, for myself personally, just get my feet back under me and get my timing back and just go out there and execute and minimize my mental mistakes and that's what it's about."

All-Pros

The Chargers had three players land on the All-Pro team: cornerback Antonio Cromartie, Neal and LaDainian Tomlinson.

"The All-Pro selection is an honor because it's the whole league,'' Tomlinson said. "It's not just the AFC or the NFC, but it's combined. Obviously, when you look at an All-Pro team, that's the team that people would say you would thin out; that's the best in the league. If we had to go play another country, for example, like Team USA Basketball does, these are the guys you are going to go do it with."

The New England Patriots led the selections with five players.

Injury update

In addition to Gates, those not working were wide receiver Chris Chambers and defensive tackle Jamal Williams -- the reasons were listed as team decision on the club's injury release. Both players are expected to play Sunday. Kicker Nate Kaeding (leg) and Neal were restricted in their work.

-- Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.

2007

AFC wild card: Chargers 17, Tennessee Titans 6 - Jan. 6, 2008

For the second straight game versus the Titans, the Chargers found themselves down at the half and yet to score a point, only to come back and win. Down 6-0, the Chargers scored 17 points on three consecutive possessions in the second half to earn the win. San Diego held the Titans to 248 yards, while also forcing two turnovers, en route to its first playoff win since the 1994 season. Vincent Jackson and LaDainian Tomlinson each scored for San Diego.

2006

AFC divisional playoff: New England Patriots 24, Chargers 21

Jan. 14, 2007

The top seeded Chargers came out slow but scored 14 points in the second quarter, thanks to Tomlinson and Michael Turner touchdown runs, to take a 14-10 lead into the locker room. Unbeaten at home during the regular season, the Chargers turned the ball over four teams, three of which were converted into Patriots scoring drives. San Diego lost despite outgaining the Patriots in rushing yards, 148-51 and total yards, 352-327, while also intercepting three passes from Tom Brady. The Patriots scored 11 points in the games final five minutes to oust the Chargers from the playoffs.