The New York Giants receiving corps took another hit with the report Golden Tate has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tate has an appeal scheduled for early August and believes he has a legitimate case. Resolution of this matter is expected before the start of the regular season.
The Giants were already down two receivers after Sterling Shepard (fractured thumb) and Corey Coleman (torn ACL) suffered injuries on Thursday to begin training camp. Shepard will miss at least two weeks and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis thereafter. Coleman is likely to miss the entire 2019 season.
Tate was the Giants’ big free agent signing after the trade of Odell Beckham Jr. He signed a four-year, $37.5 million deal in March after splitting time last season with both the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. In 2018, Tate caught 74 passes for 795 yards and four touchdowns.
Tate has gotten a grasp of the Giants offense in short order. He is expected to play a huge role as the offense prepares for life without OBJ.
“He’s got the offense. He’s ready to go,” head coach Pat Shurmur said Friday.
In light of the early training camp injuries, general manager Dave Gettleman said the Giants would hold a workout for the wide receivers Saturday.
“We’re going to do something,” Gettleman said.
While a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Tate spoke out about two teammates who received suspensions related to substance abuse.
“You are affecting way more than yourself,” Tate said at the time in an interview with 710 ESPN Radio. “I feel like that was kind of a selfish move on both those guys’ part. But it is what it is. The show must go on and that’s what we’re gonna do.”
Without Sterling, Coleman, and Tate, the Giants are left with Cody Latimer, Russell Shepard, Bennie Fowler, Reggie White Jr., Alonzo Russell, and Darius Slayton among other players. Slayton, the team’s fifth-round pick, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.
