Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is on track to return for Saturday’s primetime game at Oregon.
Tate was held out of the Buckeyes’ win over Iowa last week with an unspecified injury, but has been practicing this week.
“He had a good day of practice today,” coach Ryan Day said Wednesday night.
If Tate is able to play against the Ducks this weekend, the Buckeyes would have their full complement of starting receivers in a matchup with one of the best pass defenses in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Ducks allow only 5.5 yards per pass attempt, a mark that leaves them tied with Ohio State. Only seven FBS teams surrender fewer yards per attempt.
In four games, Tate has caught 14 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown for the Buckeyes. Though only a sophomore, he is seen as a well-rounded receiver.
“Carnell is certainly very, very talented,” Day said. “He’s very intelligent. He works very hard. He’s a really good blocker. When the ball’s not in his hands, he does a great job. He’s a very good route runner, good downfield, good underneath.
“First off, it’s the production, and second thing is his leadership. He is a leader and a young player. It’s great to have him back.”
While Tate was sidelined against the Hawkeyes last Saturday, it was Bryson Rodgers and Brandon Inniss, both second-year receivers, who saw additional snaps in place of him in the rotation.
Inniss totaled three catches for 29 yards in the victory, while Rodgers had one reception for 8 yards.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com.
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football WR Carnell Tate on track to return at Oregon
