Carnell Tate and Tyjae Spears miss a second Titans practice in a row

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate and running back Tyjae Spears did not practice Thursday, the second straight day both sat out. Team reporter Jim Wyatt said Tate (shoulder) was held out again, and RotoBaller confirmed Spears missed practice as well.

What's confirmed. Tate has not practiced this week. Head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday that the shoulder kept him out, and the Titans listed him as a non-participant on the official report. Spears also missed Wednesday. Saleh described that absence as maintenance, but the injury report listed him with a knee issue, and he was absent again Thursday.

What isn't known yet. Neither player has a game designation. Tennessee plays at Cincinnati on Sunday, and Friday's report will carry the first official status for both.

Tate is the bigger fantasy concern. He entered Week 8 as the top rookie receiver in the league, and that kind of production is hard to replace in a lineup. Two missed days with a shoulder injury in the same week is a real warning sign. A receiver who can't practice Wednesday or Thursday usually needs a full session Friday to look like a safe start, and even then the shoulder could limit his snaps.

Spears is a different case. He has been on and off the injury report all month. He was listed questionable last Friday and then was inactive for Sunday's game. Missing two practices again this week puts him on track for a second straight game on the sideline.

The timing doesn't help Tennessee. The Titans traded defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to Chicago earlier Thursday, and now the offense may be without its best young receiver in Cincinnati.

What RSO owners should do now. If you roster Tate, line up a Sunday backup before Friday's report. A limited session Friday would be encouraging, but another DNP likely means a doubtful or out tag. Spears owners in deep leagues should not count on him this week. Treat him as a stash until he strings together practice days.

What to watch next. Friday's practice participation and the final injury report, plus any word from Saleh on whether Tate's shoulder is a week-to-week problem or a one-game issue.