The Tennessee Titans will be without several key players when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10. Rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate is among those ruled out after failing to practice during the week.
Tate missed the Titans' Week 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a shoulder injury. Tennessee entered its Week 9 bye hoping the extra recovery time would help him return, but the rookie will miss another game.
Head coach Robert Saleh is hopeful Tate can return in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, with his status to be determined when the team begins preparing for that matchup.
“I was really optimistic going through the bye week,” Saleh said. “The shoulder stuck on him a little bit. We are hopeful for next week, but I'll have a better answer for you (next) Wednesday.”
Tate's absence leaves Wan'Dale Robinson and Chimere Dike in line for larger roles. Both receivers led Tennessee in routes during the Week 8 game against Cincinnati, when Tate was also unavailable.
Robinson handled 72 snaps and ran 47 routes against the Bengals, finishing with seven targets and 15.7 fantasy points. However, Jacksonville has been difficult for slot receivers, making Robinson a risky fantasy option.
Dike could offer more upside. He played 63 snaps and ran 40 routes in Week 8, recording five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. He also directly replaced Tate at the Z receiver position. Jacksonville has allowed more fantasy production to outside receivers, which makes Dike a more appealing option.
Elic Ayomanor also saw an expanded role against Cincinnati, playing 50 snaps and running 30 routes. However, he managed just three catches for 34 yards on five targets. Calvin Ridley could also remain part of the rotation.