Golden Tate might not make his return to the lineup for Sunday's divisional game against the Eagles. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Giants WR Golden Tate could miss Eagles game due to knee injury?

New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate might not make his return to the lineup for Sunday's divisional game against the Philadelphia Eagles, after all. 

Per outlets such as ESPN's Jordan Raanan and Sean Farrell of NorthJersey.com, Tate suffered an unspecified knee injury late in Thursday's practice that put his status for the weekend in doubt. 

While the 32-year-old appears to have avoided a lengthy stay on the injured reserve list, coach Joe Judge could exercise caution and keep Tate a spectator through New York's upcoming bye week. 

It's the latest twist in what has become a disappointing tenure for both player and club. Tate generated headlines when he screamed "throw me the ball" after he made a leaping touchdown grab during a prime-time game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 2. He later liked a tweet suggesting he and the Giants should part ways, and his wife vented about his lack of targets on Instagram. 

Judge benched Tate for last Sunday's game against the Washington Football Team but welcomed the receiver back while preparing to host the Eagles. Judge said earlier in the day before Tate went down:

"I love the way he came to practice [Wednesday]. We're going to be on the field today. We'll be over in the stadium. It'll be a good opportunity for the entire team to work on the turf for a day today and get moving forward with it. But look, we're totally past the whole situation last week. It is what it is. I look forward to getting Golden on the field with us. We'll roll him in fast."

Tate's contract allows the Giants to save money by cutting him this offseason. He has 26 catches for 226 yards with two touchdowns this year.  

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