Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Isaiah Hodgins

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, November 29, 9:31 PM

New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has been a decent fantasy contributor in two starts with the team, though he'll get another difficult matchup this Monday night against the New England Patriots. Hodgins was signed off the Steelers' practice squad a few weeks back, reuniting him with the Giants' organization. For one game, at least, it appears Hodgins has worked his way behind only Wan'Dale Robinson in terms of snap share, logging two more than Darius Slayton (52) upon the latter's return from a one-game absence. While the Oregon State product may have moved ahead of Slayton in the pecking order, fantasy managers may want to wait one more week before relying on him as a low-floor dart throw, considering a less-than-ideal outing with a tough Pats' defense. Hodgins is RotoBaller's PPR WR69 for his clash with New England.