"Chargers tight end Antonio Gates will be a gametime decision for tomorrow's matchup with the Patriots in San Diego.

The six-time Pro Bowler had 29 catches for 478 yards and seven touchdowns in the first five games of the season before spraining his toe in the first half of last Sunday's 20-17 loss at St. Louis. Gates left with just two catches for 12 yards, ending his streak of scoring in nine straight games, an NFL record for tight ends.

Gates has developed into the ultimate security blanket for quarterback Philip Rivers, who locks into the big, athletic tight end in the red zone.

"I think he's the best there is," Rivers said. "I think he's been that for the past handful of years. He's always been explosive and made big plays, but he's been as good (getting) yards after the catch."

One of Bill Belichick's strengths as a game-planner is the ability to take away an offense's top weapon. But when the Patriots coach watched film of Gates, he wasn't able to pick up many coverage tips from previous opponents."