NY Giants WR Golden Tate was demoted to the scout team offense Thursday
NY Giants wide receiver Golden Tate returned to practice Thursday, after being told to stay home for Wednesday’s walkthrough, but clearly remains in head coach Joe Judge’s crosshairs.
According to multiple reports, while Tate was on the field with his teammates Thursday afternoon, he appeared to tumble down the depth chart and did very little during the viewing period that was open to the media:
WR Golden Tate (15) did a lot of this — standing and watching — during the open portion of Thursday's practice. pic.twitter.com/fLN9qSlnSB
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) November 5, 2020
Golden Tate back at practice but not running routes with any of the offensive units during buildup (pic on right). Then goes to the field w/ scout team offense. Have to wonder if he’ll dress Sunday. He also spent first period adjusting cleats on sideline (pic on left). #Giants pic.twitter.com/wOATBmP70T
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 5, 2020
Prior to practice, Judge was asked whether Tate returned to the team and it was business as usual Thursday and simply responded; “yes.”
However, from all accounts, Tate was knocked down the depth chart at wide receiver.
The New York Daily News reports that Tate was running with the Giants’ scout-team offense.
Judge clearly was not thrilled when Tate yelled “throw me the ball” into ESPN’s cameras after catching a fourth quarter touchdown Monday night, repeatedly put his hand up in the air after passes went to other players, and Tate’s wife took to Instagram to air her frustrations over Tate’s lack of playing time and usage.
“It has to be team-first for everyone in this building,” Judge said Wednesday. “Every coach and every player. It has to be team first. There can be no exceptions, for that. I can’t tolerate selfish from anyone, coach or player.
“When it comes to discipline, I don’t believe in holding trials for any of my players — or my coaches for that matter — in the public eye. While that may be inconvenient at times for fans who want to be connected, I choose to deal with things internally, because as the head coach it’s my job to protect the team. It’s my job to make sure things are handled internally and we have a family structure in this building where everyone understands there are consequences for their actions.”
The Giants have one more practice Friday prior to Sunday’s game at Washington, so it is entirely plausible that Tate’s demotion Thursday was a one day punishment and he will remain as the No. 3 wide receiver. But, that is anything but a lock at this stage.
One thing to watch, after the Giants claimed Dante Pettis off waivers Wednesday, is whether Tate remains on the team once Pettis is eligible to join the team and clears the COVID-19 entry protocols beginning next week.
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.