Packers won’t play against Evan Engram, Golden Tate in Week 13

The Green Bay Packers won’t have to play against wide receiver Golden Tate or star tight end Evan Engram in Week 13.

The New York Giants have ruled out of two of their best pass-catching options ahead of their game against the Green Bay Packers. Both wide receiver Golden Tate and tight end Evan Engram could’ve done well against the Packers’ struggling defense, and this will give defensive coordinator Mike Pettine a little less to worry about.

The Packers know all about Tate. From the “Fail Mary” while he was with the Seattle Seahawks, to the success he’s had against Green Bay with the Detroit Lions. In his career, Tate has played the Packers 10 times. He’s been on the winning team six times and lost four games, and he’s caught 52 passes for 655 yards and four touchdowns.

Tate has also made an impressive start with the New York Giants. In seven games, he’s made 36 receptions for 450 yards and four touchdowns.

The Giants will also be without Engram. He’s never played against the Packers, but there’s no doubt Engram is one of the best young tight ends in the NFL. In just his third season, Engram has already made 153 catches for 1,766 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s a key part of the Giants’ offense and could’ve had a big game against a Packers defense that has struggled to stop tight ends.

Even though the Giants will be without two of their top three receiving leaders, Pettine and the defense will still need to be at their best.

Second-year running back Saquon Barkley is a star and can take over the game if the defense doesn’t play well. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is a talented player, and receiver Darius Slayton has impressed this season with a team-high five touchdown receptions.

Green Bay’s defense will need to play a lot better than it has in recent games, but not having to play against Tate and Engram will help them.