Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, who is rebounding from a sprained right foot, was able to participate in part of Thursday's practice. Gates was injured in Sunday's win over the Buffalo Bills and hadn't been able to work until Thursday. He was no longer wearing a walking boot and was upbeat about his chances of playing in Sunday's road game against the Washington Redskins. "I'm going to constantly prepare to play this weekend and take care of the foot," said Gates, the team's leading receiver with 56 catches for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. Coach Marty Schottenheimer was also encouraged about his All-Pro's first practice session of the week. "He did some work out here today," said Schottenheimer, who reiterated that Gates' availability will probably be decided at game time. "We are cautiously optimistic. He ran and he cut. It was positive."