Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Isaac TeSlaa

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.

Monday, October 6, 10:07 PM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had one target in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he made it count by turning it into a 12-yard touchdown reception. TeSlaa has made the most of his low-usage role so far this season, as he has three catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns on five targets through the first five games of his career. Perhaps most importantly for his fantasy outlook, Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (neck) left early in Week 5 with a neck injury and did not return. TeSlaa has been firmly behind Raymond in snap share so far this season, so an injury to Raymond could open the door for TeSlaa to take over as Detroit's WR3 alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. It's too soon to count on TeSlaa for fantasy production, even if Raymond does miss time. Still, TeSlaa is a player to monitor in deep leagues, as he's flashed upside and could now be in line for an increased role.