Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Dontayvion Wicks

Sunday, August 3, 11:01 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Russell Gage has "run some really crisp routes" in training camp practices and has drawn the praise of quarterback Brock Purdy, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. The veteran wideout has been forced into a more prominent training camp role as a result of injuries to San Francisco receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf), and Jacob Cowing (hamstring). Gage last appeared in an NFL game in 2022 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 74 career games, he's recorded 244 catches for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns. Gage is probably still a long shot to make an impact in fantasy this season, but he could earn some playing time early in the season if San Francisco continues to deal with injuries in their wide receiver room.

Sunday, August 3, 2:42 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) was not able to participate during Saturday's practice. It's worth noting that Wicks missed practice time earlier in the week due to a calf issue. It's unclear if Saturday's absence was a planned rest day or if Wicks couldn't participate due to the injury. The absence of Wicks meant more snaps for Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, and Malik Heath. Last season, Wicks saw a career-high 76 targets, but finished with 39 receptions for 415 receiving yards with five touchdowns in 17 games. The addition of Golden is going to make it more difficult for Wicks to see consistent snaps in Green Bay. Right now, the focus is getting Wicks back on the field, so fantasy managers should check back later on Sunday.