NFL Network, by way of our friends at Rotoworld.com, reports that Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has a “severe sprain” in his left big toe.

The injury was suffered while Gates was hit by a Titans defensive player while already on the ground in Sunday’s Wild-Card game.

Gates reportedly hopes to play on Sunday against the Colts.

The manner in which Gates was injured raises a broader point regarding player safety.  It was noticed over the weekend that plenty of ball carriers were being hit while down, most often by defensive backs.  (The problem was most prevalent in the Jags-Steelers game, coming from the Steelers players.) 

If one of the league’s goals is to protect players, why aren’t flags flying when bodies are flying after players are on the ground?