The Los Angeles Chargers have welcomed back former Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates back into the fold after inking him to a one-year deal last week.

However, there have been questions about his status for Week 1 action against the Kansas City Chiefs due to him missing the entire preseason and training camp. According to Eric D. Williams of ESPN, Gates has voiced that believes he can be ready to go to take the field come Sunday afternoon.

“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.”

Much of this lies on his body will respond at this point given that he had missed the entire last few months of the offseason that it hasn't allowed for him to truly get his legs under him ahead of the season opener. The 38-year-old could also be at a higher risk for an injury given that fact alone as there is a risk of a lingering injury.

Gates has a clear understanding of the playbook along with a strong bond on the field with Pro Bowl quarterback Philips Rivers that shouldn't draw any concern on that end of things. It is simply whether his body is ready to go to play just a week after returning to the team.

These next couple of days will provide clarity on what his status will be for the season opener as he will step into a prominent role at tight end as the most experienced and proven option at that position on the roster.