San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.comChargers TE Gates likely to sit out final 2 games

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Star tight end Antonio Gates likely will sit out the final two games of the regular season to rest his injured right foot in case the San Diego Chargers make the playoffs.

"I do want to get healthy," Gates said. "That's what's best for this team."

Gates has missed the last two games and four of six with a painful tear in his right plantar fascia. Gates said the team's other tight ends, Randy McMichael and Kris Wilson, are more than capable of doing the job.

"Based on the history of the injury, there's no speedy recovery," Gates said. "Time is key. Not only do I need time, but I need rest."

In order to win their fifth straight AFC West title, the Chargers (8-6) need to win their final two games, at Cincinnati on Sunday and at Denver on Jan. 2, and have Kansas City lose once.

Gates said he'll have had four weeks of rest if the Chargers do make the playoffs.