Through all of the angst and annoyance, there seems to be one group of people who actually don't mind the NFL's current locked-out state: players trying to come back from injury. Count Antonio Gates in. The Chargers' star tight end recently told Pro Football Weekly that the lockout has given him more time to get over the foot ailments that slowed him down during the second half of last season. "The end of last season was tough, but this lockout has kind of been helpful for me, because it's allowed me more time to rehab and get treatment," Gates said. "So I'm feeling really good now." Gates was well on his way to recording the most productive season from a tight end in league history until injuries to both feet -- plantar fascitis, especially -- kept him out of six of San Diego's final eight games. Before that, Gates had 663 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

Fantasy Analysis:

This jibes with what we heard from Chargers head coach Norv Turner in May, who basically said Gates was looking healthy. He has participated in players-only workouts with teammates. Before the 2010 season, Gates had played in 86 consecutive games. But if you've owned him in the past, you know that injuries are part of the deal with him. He's played through most of his nicks up until 2010, but they can definitely affect his on-field play. So, when you draft Antonio Gates, understand that there is some sizable risk for injury. Also understand that you just got yourself the man who is still the best tight end in fantasy football.