Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Efton Chism III

Saturday, September 6, 4:32 PM

The San Francisco 49ers have elevated veteran wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. from the practice squad, meaning he will see his first game action since 2022. Gage missed the past two seasons after suffering a torn patellar tendon, but was previously a reliable WR3 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Tom Brady. The 49ers' receiver room is in shambles, with Brandon Aiyuk, Jacob Cowing, and Demarcus Robinson all sidelined. Gage has a chance to see the field in Week 1 as he's expected to serve as the team's WR5 and play limited snaps if needed. While fantasy production isn't likely, simply seeing Gage back on the field after such a long recovery is a great story and an encouraging sign for San Francisco's depth moving forward.

Sunday, September 14, 11:53 AM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III is once again a healthy scratch for Week 2 on Sunday versus the division-rival Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Chism impressed the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason, but it wasn't enough to put him on the active game-day roster the first two weeks of 2025. The 23-year-old was an undrafted free agent and has more work to do to get on the field on Sundays in his first NFL season. For now, he's just a bench stash in deep dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues. At the moment, he's blocked by receivers Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams. If an injury arises to any of New England's receivers, Chism will likely be the first to benefit.