Antonio Gates came back from injury to score a touchdown and pick up 54 yards in what has to be seen as a positive sign from his fantasy owners. Gates had not caught a ball since Week 1. He made five catches on Sunday against the New York Jets.

Gates has been the benchmark by which all other fantasy tight ends have been compared since his breakout season in 2004, averaging over nine touchdowns a season over the last seven years. But after catching eight balls for 74 yards in Week 1 this season, he's been a complete afterthought, being shut out in Week 2 before missing the next three games with lingering plantar fasciitis in his right foot. 

In his absence, Randy McMichael has seen extended action, catching 11 balls for 105 yards over the last three games. Those numbers may help the Chargers move the chains, but they've done little for fantasy owners, who have eagerly awaited Gates' return to action. 

For more on Gates and the Chargers' matchup with the Jets, visit our Chargers blog Bolts From The Blue and Jets blog Gang Green Nation. Follow all the action from Week 7 at SB Nation NFL, and get your fantasy questions answered on Twitter by @SBNationFantasy.