The Facts: Chargers GM Tom Telesco said he will meet with Gates’ representation at the combine this week and there remains a chance that he returns.

Diehards Line: The Chargers bid farewell to Gates in the 2018 offseason only to bring him back after Hunter Henry‘s torn anterior cruciate ligament in May. The salary cap obviously will play a part in whether the Chargers invite Gates back for a 17th season as will the other players they have at the position. Henry and blocker Virgil Green will return as the team’s top tight ends. The Chargers also like reserve Sean Culkin, according to observers. .Gates, though, is a bigger contributor in the locker room and tight ends room than perhaps he is on the field at this point in his career. He caught only 28 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in every regular-season game this season.