Carnell Tate Injury Update: Titans Rule Out Rookie Receiver Against Jaguars

Carnell Tate Ruled Out For Titans’ Game Against Jaguars© Instagram

The bye week did not get Carnell Tate back on the field. Tennessee ruled the rookie receiver out Friday for Sunday's game against Jacksonville after his shoulder injury kept him out of practice throughout the week.

Tate also missed the November 1 loss to Cincinnati, making this his second consecutive absence despite the break between games. Coach Robert Saleh had been optimistic about getting him back. Instead, the Titans will face the Jaguars without him and look toward next week's meeting with Dallas as another possible return date.

Saleh Hopes Tate Can Return Against Dallas

“I was really optimistic going through the bye week,” Saleh said Friday.

The shoulder continued to trouble Tate, who was listed as a non-participant Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. By the time Saleh spoke before the final practice, he had already ruled the receiver out.

“We are hopeful for next week, but I'll have a better answer for you Wednesday,” Saleh said.

That leaves November 22 against the Cowboys as a possibility rather than a scheduled comeback. Tate still needs to make enough progress to resume practicing after another week spent on the sidelines.

Tennessee added receiving depth Saturday by elevating Xavier Restrepo from the practice squad for the Jacksonville game. His promotion gives the offense another available receiver, although the Titans have not announced how they will divide Tate's snaps or targets.

For fantasy managers, Tate is out of consideration for Week 10. His practice participation next week will offer a clearer guide to whether he can return against Dallas.

Titans Make Further Changes Before Jacksonville Game

Tate's absence is part of a difficult stretch for Tennessee's offense. Left guard Peter Skoronski was also ruled out Friday with a hamstring injury, then placed on injured reserve Saturday.

The Titans signed guard Chandler Zavala to the active roster as they prepared to play without Skoronski. Saleh declined Friday to identify the replacement starter, while expressing confidence in the player stepping in.

Running back Tony Pollard finished the week practicing fully and carries no game designation. Tyjae Spears also practiced fully Friday but remained questionable with a knee injury.

Tennessee has defensive absences to cover, too. Linebackers Cody Barton and Anthony Hill Jr. were ruled out with concussion and neck injuries, respectively. Saleh said Cedric Gray would get the opportunity to play the entire game.

Punter Tommy Townsend joined Skoronski on injured reserve Saturday. Tennessee signed veteran Thomas Morstead to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game at Nissan Stadium.