Tight end Antonio Gates , who is recovering from a surgically repaired toe , ran about 20 routes before the Chargers preseason game against the Rams and is feeling closer to normal again . Quarterback Philip Rivers said , " He looked really good . That 's encouraging for us . "

Question: Why did Gates run while still injured ?
Answer: He had gotten better .He wanted to keep his spot on the team .He was ready for the game .His teammates cheered him on .