The New York Giants offense is far from complete. They will be without star running back Saquon Barkley for several weeks (most likely four-to-six) and the team’s big ticket free agent wide receiver, Golden Tate, won’t return from his suspension until next week (actually, Monday).
Tate was suspended four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing materials and Sunday’s game against Washington will be the final game of his penance.
The Giants are anxious to get Tate back in the fold, and he is apparently equally as eager to return.
Tate and Gordon were both working out at the facility of trainer Todd Durkin in San Diego during their time off.
The Giants WR was serving his suspension and had the same goals as Gordon — to be more than ready. They would gather on Monday with Durkin and go over the games their teams played, knowing they had no part in it. It hurt and motivated.
“When you’re by yourself, it’s kinda hard,” Durkin said. “When Golden joined the crew, it was awesome. There was a little comradery, but a little competition, too. That livened him up. I can’t say enough about what Golden did. He was like, ‘Todd, I want to tear it up.’ So we busted their tails for four or five weeks. This is the hardest I’ve seen (Tate) work. And he’s been a great influence on Melvin, because he’s on a mission.”
Over the past five years of his NFL career, Tate has averaged just a sliver under 90 receptions and 1,003 yards per season.
