Titans rule out rookie Carnell Tate for Sunday's game at Cincinnati

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate is out for Sunday's game at Cincinnati. The Titans listed him out with a shoulder injury on Friday's final injury report, after he sat out practice all week.

What is confirmed

Underdog NFL posted the out designation Friday afternoon, and RotoWire, citing Ben Arthur of FoxSports.com, confirmed Tate has been ruled out against the Bengals. Earlier Friday the Titans had listed Tate as doubtful. He did not practice on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

Running back Tyjae Spears (knee) was also listed doubtful for Week 8 after missing practice all week, per Underdog NFL. His final status was not settled when this story published.

The game kicks off at 1 PM ET on Sunday.

Why it matters for RSO owners

Tate was the fourth overall pick in the 2026 draft out of Ohio State and signed a four-year, $51.13 million rookie deal with Tennessee in May. In contract leagues he is a long-term asset on a rookie scale salary, so one missed game does not change his dynasty value much.

The bigger issue is the calendar. RotoWire lists Tennessee's bye in Week 9, which means Tate will go at least two weeks without a game. That gives his shoulder time to heal, but it also takes him out of your lineup for two straight weeks.

With Tate out, RotoWire expects more snaps for Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike next to slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. None of them has been a steady weekly starter in fantasy, so treat any of them as a fill-in option in deeper leagues, not a solution.

What to do now

Move Tate out of your Week 8 lineup before Sunday's 1 PM games lock. If you are thin at receiver, Ayomanor is the most likely beneficiary in this offense, but expect modest volume with Cam Ward throwing to a short-handed group.

Do not sell Tate cheaply because of this injury. A shoulder issue that keeps him out of one game before a bye is not a reason to move a top-five pick at a rookie salary.

What to watch next

Watch for practice reports when the Titans return from the bye ahead of Week 10. A full session that week would put Tate back in play. Also watch Spears' status Sunday morning, since his availability shapes how much the Titans lean on the passing game.