I'd give Farniok every opportunity to start....at LT.
That would be pretty high hopes for Farniok to displace a 2-year starter in Gates, and one who the coaches moved from RT to LT this year.
I don't think Gates lived up to either his hype or potential this year. I don't think getting pushed would be the worst thing in the world for him.
I agree that Gates struggled at times, but he was also the best lineman on the field for most of the year. Nothing wrong with Farniok pushing him, but it probably would be best to start him out on the right side in his first year as a starter.
And he was hurt.
Gates isn't going anywhere. He's an NFL talent. Farniok will push for the RT spot.