Ohio State takes on Purdue today, but one of their best playmakers might be out for the Buckeyes. Carnell Tate’s possible absence is worrying fans, which comes at an important time for the WR and OSU. But is he out for the whole season? Here’s what we know of the WR’s status.

Carnell Tate has massively stepped up from last year, and has aided Jeremiah Smith to deliver yet another strong passing attack. However, the mystery about his absence is causing a lot of unease in fans. It’s also fired up the pranksters, who are dishing out claims of Tate being out for the season.

But there has been no official communication deeming the WR out. Fans can ease their worries, for now. During the week, Ryan Day and Co. were completely silent about what is actually going on with Carnell Tate. He was taken out of the Purdue game just before kickoff, with the HC citing a “minor injury” as the problem. With OSU not confirming where things stand with the star receiver ahead of the UCLA game, people came out with their own theories.

However, we have an update about the UCLA game now. In their full injury report 2 hours before the UCLA clash, the Buckeyes listed Tate as ‘out’ for the game. So, he won’t suit up against the Bruins’. And there is another worrying news. Ohio State listed Jeremiah Smith as ‘questionable’ for the clash.

Carnell Tate’s absence could again be a precautionary measure. When the WR had been scratched out before the Purdue game, Day said that it was because of something that had come up in warmups. But OSU played the safe game that week. “Could he have played? Yeah, probably. But we’re just gonna rest him to make sure,” Day said after the game. If he was ready to suit up for the Purdue game, things are likely not concerning.

Ohio State seems to be primed to make a return to the playoffs, that too unbeaten. Perhaps it was because of this crucial post season run that Day chose to rest Carnell Tate. “If OSU is truly being cautious with an injury of his, the Buckeyes likely don’t need him in a game they’re favored to win by 31 points,” Billy Heyen wrote for The Sporting News. Word on the street is that caution for the future of Ohio State is what is driving Ryan Day in his decision for Carnell Tate.

Jeremiah Smith, despite being the phenomenon he is at Columbus, also needs some help. That is what Carnell Tate has been doing, while also leaving an impact himself. The HC might simply just not want to risk this situation more by playing him at compromised level.

Is Ohio State resting Carnell Tate for him to come back better in the playoffs?

OSU should have the UCLA game in the bag. It can then easily follow the win up by another easy one over Rutgers. Then comes the game for which Buckeye fans have been waiting all season – Michigan. It’s a big game for Ryan Day and Ohio State, so he’ll need his biggest guns ready to counter the Wolverines.

Perhaps by keeping Tate out, Ryan Day is simply having him ready in shape for the Michigan game. That will be followed by a possible Big 10 championship game and the playoffs.

Considering Tate’s output this season (39 catches for 711 yards), he’s a must if the Buckeyes want to go back-to-back.