Chargers TE Gates practices for first time

Aug 20, 2008 - 3:44 AM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates returned to practice Tuesday after he was taken off the physically unable to perform list.

Gates passed his physical Tuesday and took part in some of the team's individual drills.

"He looked good," Chargers coach Norv Turner said.. "He's making progress."

San Diego's top receiving threat, Gates was placed on the "PUP" list on July 25 as he continued to recover from surgery in February to repair a torn plantar plate in his left big toe. He suffered the injury in the second quarter of San Diego's AFC divisional playoff win over Tennessee on January 6.

"It's another step forward," Gates said. "Hopefully I'll work my way back in there. I'm glad to be back practicing with my teammates and now you just hope things continue to go well."

Gates recorded 75 catches for 984 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games last season,

Defensive end Luis Castillo also returned to practice Tuesday after missing a week and a half with a sore back.