Golden Tate missed the first four games of this season due to a controversial PED suspension. And after being nearly as invisible in Week 5's loss to the Vikings during what was his Giants debut, Tate seemed disappointed.
Tate was targeted just six times on Sunday, reeling in three catches for 13 yards -- with a long of five yards.
Asked after the game if he thought his limited role on Sunday would become the norm, Tate said he hoped not.
"I hope not, I hope not," he said. "Obviously, I want to be out there as much as possible, but we'll see. It's the first week back for me. I hope my role increases, but we'll see."
While Tate was targeted just six times, fellow starting wide receiver Sterling Shepard was targeted 10 times. Tight end Evan Engram was targeted 11 times, and Darius Slayton was targeted five times.
"Obviously I wish I had a few more opportunities to help us win," Tate said. "I'll watch film very critically, I'll get with (quarterback Daniel Jones) and see what I can do better to help us win and move the chains a little bit more."
The Giants, who were without Saquon Barkley and lost backup running back Wayne Gallman to a concussion during the game, ran the ball just 20 times.
But as the Giants' offense became predictable as they looked to throw a ton more once they were totally depleted at running back, the Vikings were bringing the heat nearly every play, resulting in Jones running for his life and rarely having time to throw.
If the Giants get Barkley back next week it should help, but whatever help Barkley's potential return brings might be mitigated by the fact that Big Blue travels to Foxborough to take on the 5-0 Patriots.