TE Gates returns to Chargers for 16th season

The Los Angeles Chargers are bringing back tight end Antonio Gates for a 16th season with the franchise after the sides reached a deal on Sunday, the team announced.

General manager Tom Telesco said in a radio interview the Chargers reached out to Gates in June to gauge his interest in playing for the team this season after likely starter Hunter Henry went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Henry was placed on the physically unable to perform list, keeping the chances of a return later in the season opener, but leaving the Chargers without a proven option at tight end.

"Obviously, Antonio would be a natural fit," Telesco said then. "He's someone we've talked to. Talked to his representatives. Sometimes, it's not just as easy as saying, 'Hey, let's just bring him back. Let's go.' "

Gates, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, became more of a role player with the Chargers last season. He caught 30 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns.

Gates, 38, owns the all-time NFL record for touchdowns by a tight end with 114 and is the franchise record-holder with 927 career catches and 11,508 receiving yards.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)