Auden Tate

With the selection of Tee Higgins by the Bengals in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday, Tate (knee) could begin the season as low as fifth on the depth chart.

Analysis: Tate first has to show that he can play at game speed, though it's a good sign that he's been medically cleared to resume football activities after ending his season with an MCL sprain on Dec. 8. But he has to compete with the likes of A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, Higgins and John Ross just to get on the field.

Tate (knee) received medical clearance to resume all football activities, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Tate was placed on injured reserve after suffering a sprained MCL on Dec. 8, finishing 2019 with 40 receptions for 575 yards (14.4 per reception, 7.2 per target) and one touchdown in 12 games (10 starts). Tate's 50 percent catch rate tied for 192nd among 199 qualified pass catchers, but he had no shortage of highlight-reel receptions and also tied for fourth in the league with seven pass interference penalties drawn. With Tyler Boyd on a long-term contract and A.J. Green likely to be re-signed or franchise tagged, the Bengals may have Tate and John Ross competing for one starting job in 2020. The team is expected to use the No. 1 overall pick on QB Joe Burrow, while Andy Dalton figures to be traded or cut.

The Bengals placed Tate (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Tate suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee this past Sunday in Cleveland. With just three games remaining on the schedule, the Bengals' hand likely was forced, but his breakout campaign has come to a close. He'll end it having caught 40 of 80 passes for 575 yards and one TD in 12 contests.

Tate was diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his left knee following his early exit in Sunday's 27-19 loss to the Browns, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Tate nabbed only one of his four targets for a 16-yard gain before the injury spelled an end to his afternoon. The Bengals haven't commented on Tate's availability for the Week 15 matchup with the Patriots, but given that injuries of this nature often require multi-week recovery timelines, he appears unlikely to play. If both Tate and A.J. Green (ankle) are sidelined versus the Patriots, Alex Erickson would likely claim a regular spot alongside Tyler Boyd and John Ross in the Bengals' three-wideout sets.

Tate was forced out of Sunday's game against the Browns with a knee injury.

Analysis: Tate caught one of his four targets for 16 yards prior to his exit from Sunday's contest. Now heading the Bengals' Week 14 wideout corps are Tyler Boyd, Alex Erickson and John Ross.

Tate caught four of seven targets for a team-high 66 yards in Sunday's 22-6 win over the Jets.

Analysis: Tate has eclipsed 60 yards in each of the last four games with Andy Dalton under center, with three less effective games quarterbacked by Ryan Finley interrupting that streak. Dalton is expected to remain Cincinnati's starting quarterback for the remainder of the season after leading the team to its first win of the season in this one, so Tate could be a sneaky-good pickup against the Browns in Week 14 and beyond if he's sitting on your waiver wire.

Tate caught one of three targets for 10 yards during Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: Making his return from a concussion, Tate was an afterthought in the passing game and managed to haul in just one of the passes sent his way. He didn't appear to suffer any setbacks, which is a positive sign, but his inability to make a real impact doesn't bode well for his fantasy value. Tate will look to get more involved next Sunday against the Jets.

Tate (concussion) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Analysis: With A.J. Green's (ankle) absence ongoing, Tate, Tyler Boyd and Alex Erickson are slated to head the Bengals' Week 12 wideout corps. While operating in the context of the 0-10 team's offense, Tate - who has seen six or more targets per contest since Week 3 -- has maintained a degree of PPR utility, averaging 3.8 catches and 53.7 receiving yards per game to date.

Tate (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Tate -- who didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday -- was listed as a limited practice participant Friday, so he has a chance to play Sunday after clearing the NFL's concussion protocol, according to Ben Baby of ESPN.com. If he does play this weekend, Tate -- along with Tyler Boyd and Alex Erickson -- would be in line to head the Bengals' Week 12 wideout corps, with A.J. Green (ankle) still sidelined.

Ben Baby of ESPN.comTate (concussion) took part in Friday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It won't be clear until after practice how much work Tate got in, but it's a good sign that he was on the field at all after sitting out the previous days. The Bengals will reveal Tate's status for Week 12 when they reveal their final injury report of the week following Friday's session.

Tate (concussion/neck) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: With back-to-back absences from practice to begin Week 12 prep, Tate's chances of suiting up Sunday against the Steelers don't appear promising. Along with Tate, A.J. Green (ankle) also appears to be tracking toward another missed game, leaving the Cincinnati wideout group in rough shape beyond top option Tyler Boyd. Alex Erickson, Stanley Morgan and Damion Willis all look poised to see enhanced profiles in the passing attack if Green and Tate are both sidelined this weekend.

Tate (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Analysis: Tate sustained a concussion and a cervical strain during Week 11's loss to the Raiders. He'll need to fully clear the league's protocol for head injuries, including meeting with an independent neurologist, before taking the field. With A.J. Green (ankle) also not practicing, it's possible that the Bengals will be forced to rely on Alex Erickson, Stanley Morgan and Damion Willis behind top wideout Tyler Boyd during Sunday's tilt against the Steelers.

Coach Zac Taylor said Tate suffered a concussion and a cervical strain during Sunday's 17-10 loss at Oakland, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Analysis: While making his fourth catch of Sunday's contest, Tate took a hit in which his neck was bent awkwardly, necessitating a ride from the cart to get off the field. He was able to join the Bengals on the return flight to Cincinnati, albeit with a neck brace in tow. Now suffering from a concussion as well, Tate is subject to the protocol for head injuries, which will determine his return to action.

Tate, wearing a brace on his injured neck, was able to travel back to Cincinnati on the Bengals' team plane, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website reports.

Analysis: The Bengals have not provided an official update on Tate's status, but it's a good sign that he was cleared to travel back with the rest of his team. The use of the neck brace indicates the team's medical staff still wants to be cautious with Tate's injury, and they figure to continue taking that route in advance of the Bengals' Week 12 matchup with the Steelers.

Tate was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Raiders with an apparent neck injury, Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune reports.

Analysis: Tate was hit from behind after making a reception, and his neck bent in an awkward manner. The hit occurred with just a few minutes to go in Sunday's contest, so Tate's day is presumably over. His status will be updated again when more details are released.

Tate is expected to retain a sizable role in the Bengals' passing attack Sunday against the Jaguars with A.J. Green (ankle) officially ruled out for the contest, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Analysis: Over the past four weeks, Tate has enjoyed a regular spot in three-receiver formations and has taken advantage of the opportunity, racking up 18 receptions for 255 yards and a touchdown on 33 targets during that stretch. He's garnered 17 of those targets over the past two weeks following John Ross' (shoulder) move to injured reserve, and Green's absence for at least one more game should keep Tate entrenched as one of Andy Dalton's go-to options. A matchup against the Jacksonville defense wouldn't seem overly appealing on the surface, but Tate should be aided by the Jaguars dealing away shutdown cornerback Jalen Ramsey earlier this week.

Tate hauled in five of a game-high 12 targets for 91 receiving yards during Sunday's 23-17 loss to Baltimore.

Analysis: Not only did the second-year wideout garner five more targets than any other Bengal on Sunday, but he was also leaned on in key situations throughout the afternoon. Tate garnered five third-down targets (converting three times), as well as two red-zone looks, but the Cincinnati offense was unable to manufacture a passing touchdown for the second time in its past three outings. In Week 7 he will face a Jaguars defense that is allowing less than 1.5 passing touchdowns per game this season, and remains hopeful of Jalen Ramsey's (back) return from injury.

Tate hauled in three of six targets for 26 receiving yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis: The second-year man out of Florida State has been heavily involved in the Bengals' passing attack over the past three weeks as A.J. Green continues his recovery from an ankle injury, and John Ross (shoulder) begins his stint on injured reserve as of Wednesday. Tate was targeted twice and registered only one catch for six yards in his season debut against San Francisco in Week 2, but he has garnered 22 targets over Cincinnati's past three games, logging 13 catches for 164 yards with those opportunities. Upcoming next for him and the Bengals' receiving corps is a matchup against a Ravens defense that allowed just eight combined receptions and 79 yards to Pittsburgh's No. 2 and 3 wideouts James Washington and Diontae Johnson in Week 5.

Tate is facing increased opportunities for targets with John Ross (shoulder) on IR, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Tate has already led the Bengals in receiving yards for two consecutive contests, and he'll now benefit from the absence of John Ross, who averaged eight targets per game. The big-bodied wideout makes for an appealing red zone target for Andy Dalton, and he's facing a prime matchup against Arizona's struggling defense Week 5. The stars appear to be aligning for the second-year pro to attain notable fantasy value, though Tyler Boyd will likely remain Dalton's first read until A.J. Green (ankle) returns to the lineup.

Tate caught four of six targets for 50 yards in Monday night's 27-3 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: Tate led the Bengals in receiving yards for a second-straight week, matching the team high in targets this time around as well. His performance was headlined by a 23-yard reception, which marked Cincinnati's longest gain in an otherwise-awful offensive display. With A.J. Green (ankle) still sidelined, and John Ross (shoulder) getting nicked up Monday, Tate could be in a good position to maintain his production going forward. He also sports a favorable matchup against the winless Cardinals in Week 5.

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