Golden Tate expected to play this week

Detroit Lions No. 2 wide receiver Golden Tate went off last week against the New York Jets, as he took full advantage of a light matchup against a bottom-feeder secondary, as well as an increase in targets created by Calvin Johnson’s ankle injury. Although Megatron was able to play, the Lions used him as a decoy, and Tate feasted with a season-high eight receptions for 116 yards on ten targets. Hopefully the former Seattle Seahawks No. 1 wideout is able to continue to get a heavy dose of targets, because he is excellent at turning them into major yardage.

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Tate was a mid-week downgrade at practice yesterday, as he was listed as limited on the Lions injury report with a hamstring injury. Even though he practiced, the downgrade was still a concern, especially since it’s a hamstring injury. Thankfully, the Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett tweets that Lions head coach Jim Caldwell expects Tate to suit up on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

With Johnson getting healthier, the Bills matchup looks even more favorable for Tate, as he won’t command as much attention from the Bills secondary. That should leave him open more often than not, and he could have another big day if he’s able to get double-digit targets again.