Chargers’ Gates still questionable

Antonio Gates’ playing status has been a game-time decision for more than a month, and it will be again Sunday night when the San Diego Chargers visit the Indianapolis Colts.

The star tight end was listed as questionable on Friday due to a torn plantar fascia in his right foot that caused him to miss the last two games.

Gates didn’t practice on Friday. He did limited work on Thursday, his first practice since Oct. 29, but was in extreme discomfort following a workout designed to see if he could tolerate the pain associated with live action.

“It didn’t get any worse,” coach Norv Turner said. “He went through the walkthrough. It doesn’t help him to go two days in a row, so we’ll just see where he’s at on Sunday.”

Eagles’ Samuels iffy

Andy Reid wouldn’t say it, couldn’t say it really.

With Philadelphia confronting two games in the span of five days, one against a top-10 offense and one of the best wide receivers in the game in Andre Johnson and another against an offense ranked 30th, it might make sense to rest cornerback Asante Samuel and his aching knee Sunday when the Eagles (7-3) visit the Chicago Bears (7-3).

And while that’s still what Reid may do, he isn’t about to tell anyone. For now, he’s listed as questionable … and that’s it.

“He’s doing better,” Reid said. “He’s feeling a little bit better. He’s still not 100 percent, so that’s why we listed him where we listed him. But we’ll just see how he does here.”

Around the league

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall didn’t practice again due to a hamstring injury. It’s unlikely he’ll travel with the team to Oakland for Sunday’s game. … New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs and Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly each have been fined $20,000 by the NFL. Jacobs was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct toward fans at Philadelphia. Kelly was fined for unnecessary roughness in the loss against Pittsburgh. … Carolina Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen has been cleared to play following a concussion and will start Sunday against Jake Delhomme and Cleveland. Delhomme is starting for the injured Colt McCoy (ankle sprain).