SDUT: Gates' surgery, FA LB D. Smith

Robin Miller · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 85

[RM: I'm confused by the interest in another ILB, as the Chargers already go
five deep at what is essentially one and a half positions.]

Gates' toe still hurting; surgery appears likely

By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

February 24, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS - Chargers tight end Antonio Gates' left big toe is not
sufficiently recovering with rest alone, and he faces surgery this week that
could limit him early in the season.

"It just doesn't feel right," said Gates, who played the Chargers' final two
playoff games with a torn plantar plate suffered in the opening-round
playoff game against Tennessee.

"It doesn't bother me right now (walking), but it's still a tear. I need to
play and perform the way I am supposed to."

Gates is leaning toward having the surgery and expects to make a final
decision by Wednesday.

"I have to have enough time to rest," he said.

He anticipates the surgery to be done midweek by toe specialist Dr. Robert
Anderson in North Carolina.

"There's a higher chance I'm going to have surgery," he said.

The timing of the surgery should allow Gates to be ready for the start of
the season. But he will likely be limited in training camp. Gates
acknowledged the rehab could even last into the season.

Gates was injured in the second quarter against the Titans when tackled
behind the line of scrimmage. He did not return to that game but played the
final two playoff games in excruciating pain and caught just four passes for
45 yards.

It was hoped that rest would heal the toe. But Gates pulled out of the Pro
Bowl at the last minute and has been frustrated by the healing process.

He flew here yesterday morning from his home in Detroit and headed to the
airport immediately after being examined by Anderson and other specialists
inside the RCA Dome.

All NFL teams' medical staffs are here for the Scouting Combine.

Smith for LB depth?

The Chargers have made a multiyear offer to former San Francisco 49ers
inside linebacker Derek Smith, sources said yesterday.

Team representatives met with Smith's agent here yesterday, and the Chargers
are said to be Smith's top choice.

Smith, an 11-year veteran, led the 49ers in tackles each season from
2001-05.

Smith, 33, was released Tuesday in a salary-cutting move. He was due to make
$4.5 million in 2008.

Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.acee@uniontrib.com

Find this article at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080224-9999-1s24newcombi.html

Archived from group: alt>sports>football>pro>sd-chargers

Kevin Strasser · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

Wilhelm looked a bit slow at times and out of position and if they can
get him cheap, why not. That is probably what AJ is thinking.
Certainly not going to take over for Cooper who had a solid year.

- Kevin

On Feb 24, 9:35 am, "Robin Miller" wrote:
> [RM: I'm confused by the interest in another ILB, as the Chargers already go
> five deep at what is essentially one and a half positions.]
>
> Gates' toe still hurting; surgery appears likely
>
> By Kevin Acee
> UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
>
> February 24, 2008
>
> INDIANAPOLIS - Chargers tight end Antonio Gates' left big toe is not
> sufficiently recovering with rest alone, and he faces surgery this week that
> could limit him early in the season.
>
> "It just doesn't feel right," said Gates, who played the Chargers' final two
> playoff games with a torn plantar plate suffered in the opening-round
> playoff game against Tennessee.
>
> "It doesn't bother me right now (walking), but it's still a tear. I need to
> play and perform the way I am supposed to."
>
> Gates is leaning toward having the surgery and expects to make a final
> decision by Wednesday.
>
> "I have to have enough time to rest," he said.
>
> He anticipates the surgery to be done midweek by toe specialist Dr. Robert
> Anderson in North Carolina.
>
> "There's a higher chance I'm going to have surgery," he said.
>
> The timing of the surgery should allow Gates to be ready for the start of
> the season. But he will likely be limited in training camp. Gates
> acknowledged the rehab could even last into the season.
>
> Gates was injured in the second quarter against the Titans when tackled
> behind the line of scrimmage. He did not return to that game but played the
> final two playoff games in excruciating pain and caught just four passes for
> 45 yards.
>
> It was hoped that rest would heal the toe. But Gates pulled out of the Pro
> Bowl at the last minute and has been frustrated by the healing process.
>
> He flew here yesterday morning from his home in Detroit and headed to the
> airport immediately after being examined by Anderson and other specialists
> inside the RCA Dome.
>
> All NFL teams' medical staffs are here for the Scouting Combine.
>
> Smith for LB depth?
>
> The Chargers have made a multiyear offer to former San Francisco 49ers
> inside linebacker Derek Smith, sources said yesterday.
>
> Team representatives met with Smith's agent here yesterday, and the Chargers
> are said to be Smith's top choice.
>
> Smith, an 11-year veteran, led the 49ers in tackles each season from
> 2001-05.
>
> Smith, 33, was released Tuesday in a salary-cutting move. He was due to make
> $4.5 million in 2008.
>
> Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.a...@uniontrib.com
>
> Find this article at:http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080224-9999-1s24newco...

Robin Miller · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 85

"Kevin Strasser" wrote in message @q70g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
> Wilhelm looked a bit slow at times and out of position and if they can
> get him cheap, why not. That is probably what AJ is thinking.
> Certainly not going to take over for Cooper who had a solid year.
>
> - Kevin

I agree that Wilhelm is the vulnerable starter. But unless they release him
(I doubt it), then Waters and Siler get pushed back on the depth chart, and
that would seem to be a slap in the face to two guys who worked hard last
season. Acee says that Waters will be ready to play a lot this coming
season. And Wilhelm only plays half the downs anyway because he is taken out
in the nickle and dime.

I understand that "you can't have enough good players." But ILB is one of
the Chargers' strongest positions already. We need OL, DL, and DB depth.

--Robin

gmoney · Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Posts: 10

On Feb 24, 8:04 am, "Robin Miller" wrote:
> "Kevin Strasser" wrote in message
>
> @q70g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Wilhelm looked a bit slow at times and out of position and if they can
> > get him cheap, why not. That is probably what AJ is thinking.
> > Certainly not going to take over for Cooper who had a solid year.
>
> > - Kevin
>
> I agree that Wilhelm is the vulnerable starter. But unless they release him
> (I doubt it), then Waters and Siler get pushed back on the depth chart, and
> that would seem to be a slap in the face to two guys who worked hard last
> season. Acee says that Waters will be ready to play a lot this coming
> season. And Wilhelm only plays half the downs anyway because he is taken out
> in the nickle and dime.
>
> I understand that "you can't have enough good players." But ILB is one of
> the Chargers' strongest positions already. We need OL, DL, and DB depth.
>
> --Robin

Has there been any talk of Tucker or Harris inside, or having Tucker
or Harris in place of Wilhelm and rotating who rushes between Tucker/
Harris, Cooper, Merriman and Phillips? I haven't kept up with the
Tucker/Harris talk.

Robin Miller · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 85

"gmoney" wrote in message @k2g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
> On Feb 24, 8:04 am, "Robin Miller" wrote:
>> "Kevin Strasser" wrote in message
>>
>> @q70g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> > Wilhelm looked a bit slow at times and out of position and if they can
>> > get him cheap, why not. That is probably what AJ is thinking.
>> > Certainly not going to take over for Cooper who had a solid year.
>>
>> > - Kevin
>>
>> I agree that Wilhelm is the vulnerable starter. But unless they release
>> him
>> (I doubt it), then Waters and Siler get pushed back on the depth chart,
>> and
>> that would seem to be a slap in the face to two guys who worked hard last
>> season. Acee says that Waters will be ready to play a lot this coming
>> season. And Wilhelm only plays half the downs anyway because he is taken
>> out
>> in the nickle and dime.
>>
>> I understand that "you can't have enough good players." But ILB is one of
>> the Chargers' strongest positions already. We need OL, DL, and DB depth.
>>
>> --Robin
>
> Has there been any talk of Tucker or Harris inside, or having Tucker
> or Harris in place of Wilhelm and rotating who rushes between Tucker/
> Harris, Cooper, Merriman and Phillips? I haven't kept up with the
> Tucker/Harris talk.
>

No, they're strictly OLBs. But they're a great set of backups. That's where
the Chargers could use another body.

--Robin

Kurgan Gringioni · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 114

On Feb 24, 8:04 am, "Robin Miller" wrote:
> "Kevin Strasser" wrote in message
>
> @q70g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Wilhelm looked a bit slow at times and out of position and if they can
> > get him cheap, why not. That is probably what AJ is thinking.
> > Certainly not going to take over for Cooper who had a solid year.
>
> > - Kevin
>
> I agree that Wilhelm is the vulnerable starter. But unless they release him
> (I doubt it), then Waters and Siler get pushed back on the depth chart, and
> that would seem to be a slap in the face to two guys who worked hard last
> season. Acee says that Waters will be ready to play a lot this coming
> season. And Wilhelm only plays half the downs anyway because he is taken out
> in the nickle and dime.
>
> I understand that "you can't have enough good players." But ILB is one of
> the Chargers' strongest positions already. We need OL, DL, and DB depth.

I don't know about the ILBs being so strong. Two of the biggest
failures this year were when Minnesota put an all-time buttwhipping on
our run D and the 9 minute drive to end the game at NE.

That debacle at Minnesota doesn't happen if Donnie Edwards was in the
lineup. He wasn't a punishing tackler, but he was nearly always in
position and nearly always made plays when he had the opportunity.
Against Minnesota, some in the front 7 totally disappeared.

I can't imagine AJ was too impressed by that.

The OLBs. They're strong.

Kevin Strasser · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

On Feb 24, 1:40 pm, Kurgan Gringioni wrote:
> On Feb 24, 8:04 am, "Robin Miller" wrote:
>
>
>
> > "Kevin Strasser" wrote in message
>
> >@q70g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>
> > > Wilhelm looked a bit slow at times and out of position and if they can
> > > get him cheap, why not. That is probably what AJ is thinking.
> > > Certainly not going to take over for Cooper who had a solid year.
>
> > > - Kevin
>
> > I agree that Wilhelm is the vulnerable starter. But unless they release him
> > (I doubt it), then Waters and Siler get pushed back on the depth chart, and
> > that would seem to be a slap in the face to two guys who worked hard last
> > season. Acee says that Waters will be ready to play a lot this coming
> > season. And Wilhelm only plays half the downs anyway because he is taken out
> > in the nickle and dime.
>
> > I understand that "you can't have enough good players." But ILB is one of
> > the Chargers' strongest positions already. We need OL, DL, and DB depth.
>
> I don't know about the ILBs being so strong. Two of the biggest
> failures this year were when Minnesota put an all-time buttwhipping on
> our run D and the 9 minute drive to end the game at NE.
>
> That debacle at Minnesota doesn't happen if Donnie Edwards was in the
> lineup. He wasn't a punishing tackler, but he was nearly always in
> position and nearly always made plays when he had the opportunity.
> Against Minnesota, some in the front 7 totally disappeared.
>
> I can't imagine AJ was too impressed by that.
>
> The OLBs. They're strong.

Exactly! Also what about the Patriots running the last 9 minutes out
on us in the AFC Championship game. That too.

Smith is very much a tackling machine and quicker quy (like Edwards)
and we will not have to give up picks or players to get him. And
plenty of cap room. I can see the logic.

- Kevin

phlash74 · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 34

On Feb 24, 11:09 am, Kevin Strasser wrote:
> On Feb 24, 1:40 pm, Kurgan Gringioni wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Feb 24, 8:04 am, "Robin Miller" wrote:
>
> > > "Kevin Strasser" wrote in message
>
> > >@q70g2000hsb.googlegroups.com....
>
> > > > Wilhelm looked a bit slow at times and out of position and if they can
> > > > get him cheap, why not. That is probably what AJ is thinking.
> > > > Certainly not going to take over for Cooper who had a solid year.
>
> > > > - Kevin
>
> > > I agree that Wilhelm is the vulnerable starter. But unless they release him
> > > (I doubt it), then Waters and Siler get pushed back on the depth chart, and
> > > that would seem to be a slap in the face to two guys who worked hard last
> > > season. Acee says that Waters will be ready to play a lot this coming
> > > season. And Wilhelm only plays half the downs anyway because he is taken out
> > > in the nickle and dime.
>
> > > I understand that "you can't have enough good players." But ILB is one of
> > > the Chargers' strongest positions already. We need OL, DL, and DB depth.
>
> > I don't know about the ILBs being so strong. Two of the biggest
> > failures this year were when Minnesota put an all-time buttwhipping on
> > our run D and the 9 minute drive to end the game at NE.
>
> > That debacle at Minnesota doesn't happen if Donnie Edwards was in the
> > lineup. He wasn't a punishing tackler, but he was nearly always in
> > position and nearly always made plays when he had the opportunity.
> > Against Minnesota, some in the front 7 totally disappeared.
>
> > I can't imagine AJ was too impressed by that.
>
> > The OLBs. They're strong.
>
> Exactly! Also what about the Patriots running the last 9 minutes out
> on us in the AFC Championship game. That too.
>
> Smith is very much a tackling machine and quicker quy (like Edwards)
> and we will not have to give up picks or players to get him. And
> plenty of cap room. I can see the logic.
>
> - Kevin- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

How is Smith in pass coverage? Seems to me that was the biggest drop
off with the loss of Edwards, and may have been the reason that
Cottrell had Merriman and Phillips dropping back a bunch early in the
season. As far as the depth issue goes, I don't think it's really
possible to be too deep in any particular area, just because of
injuries and the different skill sets of players at the same
position. The Patriots rotate a bunch of LBs pretty successfully.
Also, it may be that Waters and Siler are able to play some on the
outside as well and will get on the field more as all purpose backups
and special teams guys.

Michael

Rene Garcia · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 22

That debacle at Minnesota doesn't happen if Donnie Edwards was in the
lineup. He wasn't a punishing tackler, but he was nearly always in
position and nearly always made plays when he had the opportunity.
Against Minnesota, some in the front 7 totally disappeared.

So is it too early to say that Wilhelm for Edwards was a bad move?

One thing Donnie never got credit for is how he covered the mistakes of
other players. We would only see him get a tackle from behind and say he got
dragged for a couple yards but never took into consideration he was making a
tackle on a player that got loose on another Charger.

myancov · Joined: 06 Aug 2007 Posts: 16

Wilhelm was injured most of the year, i.e. it's waaay premature to say
he is out of the mix at ILB

meanwhile, Smith is and old LB that was let go by a team that needs
playmakers.

this is a depth move, and I wouldn't be surprised if Smith is cut by
opening day.

Now Gates is going for surgery? It sounds like he'll probably be ready for preseason, but why did they wait this long to make the decision? On the positive side, the doc who's doing the cutting has a good track record with foot surgeries on pro athletes & they seem to come back as good

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