Chargers TE Antonio Gates seeking to scale back workload

Old Man River, otherwise known as Antonio Gates, has barely missed a beat well beyond the years in which most players have settled into their retirements. But Gates, who will turn 36 in June, is finally looking to lessen his workload next season.

Gates played 787 snaps in 2014, which ranked 17th at his position and proved far more than many younger tight ends. He was also more productive than nearly all of them with 69 catches for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns, the second-highest total of his career. But while promoting a boxing match in Detroit, he told Monday Morning Quarterback that he would like to scale it back in 2015.

"With injuries and whatnot, I played a little bit more than they expected me to play last season," he said. "I was playing the whole game. How I feel next year, it depends on how much volume they have me doing. I'd like to come in on third-and-7s, red zones, those situations. That's what my contribution is at anyway."

His plan would give young, athletic Ladarius Green a chance to emerge as the primary tight end for the Chargers. Green took a step back last year with just 19 receptions for 226 yards and no scores after racking up 376 yards and three touchdowns in 2013.