Tight end Scott Chandler is willing and ready.

The Chargers hope they don't have to play the Chandler card often in the upcoming season. But the fact remains with training camp starting next month, the team has yet to see Pro Bowler Antonio Gates on the field.

Gates is still bouncing back from toe surgery, an injury that severely restricted him in the playoffs last season. There is no guarantee Gates, who suffered a dislocated toe, will be ready to go when the Chargers open the season on Sept. 7 against the visiting Panthers.

But remember that old adage of how someone being down jars open a door for someone else. Chandler, entering his second year, is that someone.

"For me personally, it's a good opportunity to get a lot of reps and to really improve," ...More