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.

Saturday, October 18, 11:18 PM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa played a season-high 46% of his team's offensive snaps in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the 23-year-old failed to earn a target, marking the third time in his last four games that TeSlaa has not recorded a reception. TeSlaa has flashed a high upside at certain points this season, as two of his three catches have gone for touchdowns. Still, he's impossible for fantasy managers to trust as a starter, even heading into a favorable Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay currently ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520), and Lions quarterback Jared Goff attempted 55 passes in his last matchup against the Buccaneers in Week 2 of the 2024 season. TeSlaa could avoid being blanked for a second straight game should the Lions be forced into a pass-heavy game script in Week 7, but he should remain out of the starting lineups of fantasy managers.