Russell

Gage

Gage was signed by the Ravens back on August 6 but won’t be a part of the team’s 53-man roster. The veteran slot receiver was hoping to catch on in a similar role this season after missing much of last season with a knee injury and may still get a chance with another team at some point. At his most productive, Gage totaled 72 catches for 786 yards and four touchdowns while with the Falcons back in 2020. He also topped 700 yards in 2021.

Gage, who missed all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, will get his next shot with the Ravens. In 2022 with the Bucs, he went 51-426-5. Gage figures to compete for a roster spot and provide depth for a solid passing catching group.

Per Auman, the final year of Gage’s contract was converted to a team option when the Bucs reworked his deal last offseason. Not picking up the option saves the team $10 million in cap space but saddles them with a $6.9 million dead cap hit. Gage missed all of the 2023 season with a knee injury sustained in training camp. Before that, he totaled 51 catches for 426 yards and five scores in 2022. Gage could find a home as a depth option in free agency, but his days as a relevant fantasy player are long gone.

Gage went down with a non-contact injury during Wednesday’s scrimmage against the Jets. The 27-year-old slot man will miss the entire 2023 season after taking a pay cut this offseason to remain with the Bucs. Trey Palmer or Deven Thompkins are candidates to emerge as Tampa’s No. 3 receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Gage suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury. Trainers tended to the veteran wideout as he writhed in pain before the cart came out. If he misses significant time, Trey Palmer or Deven Thompkins could make their way into three-receiver sets alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Gage, 27, who took a pay cut to remain with the Bucs this season, had 51 receptions for 426 yards and five touchdowns last year for Tampa.

FOX Sports’ Greg Auman notes that Gage has been sidelined for the entirety of the spring to date and that he is watching practice, so he is present. Gage probably isn’t a big fantasy target this year now that the Buccaneers have embraced Baker Mayfield Austerity in the passing game, but his status is worth monitoring in deeper leagues. It’s worth mentioning that Gage suffered a scary-seeming neck injury during the Wild Card round.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buccaneers reportedly moved Gage’s $10 million base salary to $7 million, giving him the chance to earn back that money in incentives. Gage had an up-and-down season in his first year with the Bucs, hauling in 51 passes for 426 yards and five touchdowns. A scary injury to his head/neck area in the NFC Wild Card Game ended his 2022 campaign, but it appears he’ll be ready for the start of next season.

Gage was carted off the field near the end of the Bucs’ Wild Card loss to the Cowboys on Monday night after suffering what appeared to be a neck injury. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said Gage was taken to a nearby hospital, where he underwent testing. That he can move his arms and legs is excellent news -- hopefully a sign that Gage can continue his playing career. He finished the 2022 season with 51 receptions for 426 yards and five touchdowns, usually operating as Tom Brady’s third option in the Tampa passing offense. Gage, who just turned 26, is signed with the Bucs through the 2024 season.

Bowles noted that Gage was able to move his fingers while down on the field. Gage took a hard shot to the back of the head in the final minutes of the Bucs’ Wild Card Round loss to the Cowboys. He was carted from the game but appears to have avoided a worst-case-scenario injury.

Gage took a shot to the back of the head late in the Bucs’ likely loss to the Cowboys. He attempted to leave the field but was unable to get up after briefly moving on the ground. Trainers quickly came to his aid. He was eventually carted off the field after being put on a backboard.