CHARGERS NOTES: Gates practices; Merriman to visit surgeon
By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Chargers tight end Antonio Gates reached a milestone in his rehabilitation from a toe injury Tuesday while linebacker Shawne Merriman's persistent knee pain has him heading across country for an examination.
Merriman missed two more practices Tuesday and wasn't at Chargers Park. He was en route to Alabama to see Dr. James Andrews for what was described by a team official as a "follow-up exam."
It was Andrews who repaired cartilage damage in Merriman's left knee five months ago. Merriman isn't expected back to Chargers Park until Thursday.
Gates passed a physical, was taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list and participated in part of practice for the first time during training camp.
"Today was a pretty good day," Gates said. "I really pushed it. I gave it my all to see what I could do."
Gates was unsure if he would practice Wednesday. He said he wants to see how his left foot responds before making a decision. He remains optimistic that he'll play in the regular-season opener against Carolina on Sept. 7.
At the same time, he hedges in case of a setback.
"I hate to look so far down the road because this is a tricky situation," Gates said. "It's one of those things where it feels really good one day and you come back another day and it's sore.
"It's one of those injuries where you have to really monitor and make sure I'm not overdoing it and doing nothing to have any setbacks."
In another development, defensive end Luis Castillo (back) participated in individual drills during Tuesday's morning practice, his most extensive on-field work in two weeks.
"Obviously, if this were the regular season, I'd be playing," said Castillo, who missed the team's first two preseason contests. "We're being smart with it and now we'll start pushing a little bit."
Also, cornerback Antonio Cromartie practiced despite minor ankle and wrist injuries.
Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
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