Antonio Gates practiced with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday and it's possible he'll play in the team's opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The tight end signed a one-year deal to provide depth as Hunter Henry recovers from a torn ACL.

"I've always been optimistic about playing in a game, whether I was injured or not here -- it didn't matter," Gates said. "So, I think I'm well aware of the preparation that needs to be put in throughout the week to go play a game at the highest level possible. With that being said ... it just depends on how I feel leading up to Sunday."

Anthony Lynn said he would take a conservative approach in getting Gates back on the field.

"I'm going to watch him closely this week," Lynn said. "I want to know where he is conditioning-wise. We know that he can help us. That's why we brought him back. I don't know how much yet, but we'll see."