The San Diego Chargers completed their three-day minicamp Friday, and Shawne Merriman, Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson, and Malcom Floyd -- all of whom are upset with their contract situations -- didn't practice. All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates didn't work out either -- but for a different reason.
Gates, who visited foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina this week because of some pain, was restricted to watching practice after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Gates said he will rest his right foot for two to three weeks before he resumes running.
"You see guys out here working hard and you want to be a part of it," Gates said. "But you got to take care of issues off the field; take care of my foot and make sure I stay healthy. Because ultimately September is when it really starts, and I'm looking forward to that."
Gates' injury isn't to the same foot that required surgery after the 2007 season.
Gates, a six-time Pro Bowl pick who's entering his eighth NFL season, is coming off another stellar campaign, in which he had a career-high 1,157 yards on 79 catches with eight touchdowns.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
