Antonio Gates Could Be Out Until Mid-October

(CBS) -- Even though he hasn't ruled himself out against the Miami Dolphins this week, Chargers Tight End Antonio Gates could miss three or four more weeks with a lingering foot injury.

From the North County Times, " I don't want to make any projections. It's tough to gauge, I mean I wasn't supposed to have any problems at this point. It was supposed to be gone five months ago, but somehow it's still lingering. It's still an uphill battle. Whenever I feel great,  or when the pain is tolerable, is when I'm going to get out there. "

The report indicates Gates may not be on the field until after the Chargers' bye week in mid-October.

Randy McMichael may continue to get starts in Gates' absence.