Go ahead. Do the math.

The Chargers signed a third tight end to their 10-man practice squad Tuesday. Antonio Gates did not practice Wednesday, dealing with a hamstring injury. Those ailments can be tricky, Gates is 36, and it’s only Week 3.

Count it all up, and it seems an important week for Asante Cleveland to make sure he’s ready. A practice-squad tight end could be promoted to the 53-man roster Saturday and play Sunday in Indianapolis, perhaps with Gates inactive.

“I already stay ready; that’s not different from any other week,” Cleveland said. “I’m not that good at math, either.”


While Cleveland is not about to speculate on the state of the Chargers’ tight end position, it will be worth monitoring this week. If Gates is limited or out, rookie second-round pick Hunter Henry would project to see increased involvement in the passing game. Sean McGrath, mostly used as a blocker, is the team’s other tight end on the 53.

Cleveland, 24, is the only tight end on the Chargers’ practice squad who was with the team in training camp.

He was claimed off waivers late last December from the Patriots. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound target spent 2014 largely on the 49ers’ practice squad as an undrafted rookie from Miami. Jake McGee and Austin Traylor joined Cleveland this month.

“He’s someone who has the flexibility to do multiple things for us,” coach Mike McCoy said. “A smart player.”


Someone who’s probably better at math than he’s letting on.

michael.gehlken@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @SDUTgehlken