Tate gets up to 6/58 in Week 3 loss

Tate was targeted early and often in this one. The rookie first-rounder would lead the Titans in targets and found himself at the end of multiple big plays. Tate’s first reception resulted in a 22-yard gain, and he later popped up for a 35-yard catch in the second quarter, only to lose a fumble on the play moments later. Tate hauled in a clutch 33-yard reception on a fourth-and-10 play late in the fourth quarter as the Titans tried to mount a comeback, setting up a three-yard touchdown pass to Wan’Dale Robinson on the next play. Tate has been targeted 21 times over the last two weeks and will be a risky WR3/WR4 against the Texans in Week 5.

Tate led the Titans’ receiver corps in snaps, catches and targets, but both Elic Ayomanor and Calvin Ridley churned up more yardage. No one had a useful day in fantasy football. Tate’s usage has been excellent through his first two NFL contests, but this severely-limited offense is predictably limiting his fantasy upside. He’s a WR4 heading into next week’s Giants road trip.

Tate tied for the team lead in receiving yards, but as you can see, that amounted to 38 in this dismal Titans attack. He also tied for the team lead in targets, though Wan’Dale Robinson edged him 5-4 in receptions. Today was an extremely ominous Cam Ward performance against a far-from-stellar Jets defense, but there is nothing to quibble with in Tate’s usage. He was out there for 44-of-50 snaps and had healthy “shares” of everything from targets to air yards. Now we just need to see if Ward can get his career on track in Year 2 before we commit to Tate as a WR3. The Eagles are a rough Week 2 matchup.

This is, to be a broken record, probably not much to be concerned about just yet. The 21-year-old Tate is in a weird spot as a clear high-volume target on a passing offense that has not looked good all preseason and probably should be eyed skeptically heading into 2026. Nevertheless, Tate has the goods to be a fantasy producer this year if the offense around him is good enough to let that happen.

Wyatt notes that Tate “had been quiet in recent practices, and he still doesn’t have a catch in two preseason games.” Today’s standout showing comes at the right time. The end of the preseason is fast approaching and the first-round rookie will be asked to contribute right away this season, especially with WR Wan’Dale Robinson currently undergoing evaluation for a concussion. The Titans’ offense is still a work in progress, so producing as a WR3 could be Tate’s ceiling for quite some time. Still, today’s report is nice to read.

FOX Sports’ Ben Arthur reported earlier that Bears DB Xavier Woods “laid out Wan’Dale Robinson over the middle of the field” during today’s joint practice, which “justifiably” prompted a response from the Titans’ sideline. Titans coach Robert Saleh called the hit “cheap.” The NFL reviews practice footage when available. We’ll see if anything comes of it. Losing Robinson for Week 1 would be consequential for QB Cam Ward, and would likely shift more work toward rookie WR Carnell Tate.

Cam Ward’s preseason has been as bad or even worse than his rookie campaign. Ward in last week’s preseason game against Seattle completed eight of his 12 attempts for 69 yards. His average depth of target on completed passes this preseason sits at a meager 1.2. Carnell Tate, meanwhile, has been targeted five times on his 23 preseason routes and does not have a reception to show for it. Daboll has been somewhat defensive this month when asked about Ward’s immense struggles after working on basic fundamentals with the second-year QB in the offseason. Ward, one of the most inaccurate passers in recent NFL history, is unlikely to support more than one fantasy-viable pass catcher in 2026.

Tate reportedly took a hard hit during Monday’s practice and missed a few days of practice as a result. The rookie receiver is now back on the field and should have a chance to suit up for the Titans’ second preseason game, which is set for Sunday against the Seahawks. Tate did not catch any of his three targets in last week’s preseason outing against the 49ers.

Tate apparently took a hard hit during Monday’s practice, but coach Robert Saleh said Tate’s stiffness is unrelated. The first-round rookie wide receiver had a good showing in spring practices, but may currently be behind slot WR Wan’Dale Robinson in the target pecking order. As is the case with many rookie wide receivers, Tate’s production could be back-weighted toward the end of the season this year.

Davenport penned a lengthy piece detailing how OC Brian Daboll is focused on developing QB Cam Ward’s play on third down, in the red zone and in the two-minute drill. This is pretty straightforward. Those are all high-leverage situations, so harping on Ward’s performance there makes sense. Robinson played on all three drives in the Titans’ first preseason game while veteran Calvin Ridley was on the field for one. Rookie WR Carnell Tate was on the field for the first and third drives. A featured role on third downs could help Robinson return FLEX value — he’s certainly being paid like he is going to be featured.