Brandon

Tate

Tate was released by the Saints prior to the season because he hadn’t shown enough to earn a role on special teams. He’s expected to join the team at practice on Wednesday.

Tate had the Bengals’ first punt return score since 2003 last season, but was middle of the road in both punt and kick return average. Under contract for just $565,000, however, he’s unlikely to be jettisoned unless the Bengals find an upgrade in the draft.

Claimed off waivers from the Patriots after final cuts last season, Tate notched zero catches as he focused on returns. "(Tate’s) played in the league and we’re excited to see how he fits in with our offense now that he’s been here,” Urban said. Not a realistic competitor for the Bengals’ No. 2 job, Tate has to worry about holding onto return duties before becoming a factor on offense. He’s off the fantasy radar.

Binns and Brandon Tate saw most of the action with the first-team offense opposite A.J. Green in spring practices. A coaching staff favorite, Binns has “put himself in position to make a leap this season,” according to Fox Sports Ohio. He’ll have to beat out Tate and third-rounder Mohamed Sanu in training camp.

Tate and Armon Binns are expected to take the majority of the first-team reps throughout camp. It looks like the coaches deferred to Tate’s experience edge in the initial practice. Rookie Mohamed Sanu will also have a chance to force his way into the mix.

“He might not have the speed (Jerome) Simpson had, but he at least knows where to go,” writes Prisco. Although Brandon Tate is listed first on the depth chart, he’s been sidelined by a hamstring injury for most of camp, leaving an opening for Binns. We wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals use a rotation of Binns, Tate and rookies Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones throughout the season.

Brandon Tate, Armon Binns and third-round rookie Mohamed Sanu are all in the mix. “Right now, the way they’ve performed, I have no reservation whatsoever of anybody coming in there,” OC Jay Gruden said. “My play calling won’t alter one bit if Sanu, Armon or Tate is out there.” ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reiterates that Jermaine Gresham will be Dalton’s No. 2 target behind A.J. Green.

Tate, who was primarily a kick returner during his time with the Patriots, saw a lot of time with the starters during Bengals minicamp. “He’s got all the ability,” Gruden said. “He runs all of the routes great, he’s got great feel, and he’s done an outstanding job.” We’re not locking up the No. 2 receiver gig for rookie Mohamed Sanu just yet.

A favorite has yet to emerge between the two holdovers, though it’s noteworthy that Tate and Binns are still ahead of rookie Mohamed Sanu entering camp. At this point, Sanu is undraftable in standard-size redraft leagues.

Following an impressive offseason, Tate entered camp as the starter opposite A.J. Green and has stuck there despite a balking hamstring of late. Armon Binns is listed as his backup, while rookie Mohamed Sanu is buried with the fourth-stringers. Both QB Andy Dalton and beat writer Joe Reedy are on the record saying they expect a rotation at the No. 2 wideout spot.