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 7, 12:06 PM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III is a healthy inactive for the team's Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Chism had a very strong training camp and preseason for the Patriots despite going undrafted back in April. The 23-year-old is certainly worth stashing for the long term in dynasty/keeper formats, but he belongs on the waiver wire for now in all single-year formats. With Chism being a healthy scratch in the first game of the year for the Patriots, they will roll with Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams in their wideout corps in quarterback Drake Maye's first full season as the starter under center.