Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Jalen McMillan

Sunday, August 3, 11:01 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Russell Gage has "run some really crisp routes" in training camp practices and has drawn the praise of quarterback Brock Purdy, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. The veteran wideout has been forced into a more prominent training camp role as a result of injuries to San Francisco receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf), and Jacob Cowing (hamstring). Gage last appeared in an NFL game in 2022 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 74 career games, he's recorded 244 catches for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns. Gage is probably still a long shot to make an impact in fantasy this season, but he could earn some playing time early in the season if San Francisco continues to deal with injuries in their wide receiver room.

Tuesday, July 22, 10:52 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan is still a very large part of the Buccaneers' plans this season, according to new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Grizzard was new coach Liam Coen's pass game coordinator last year, and when pressed to give a player who needed to play well for his offense to work this season, he identified McMillan. Grizzard said, "He's in a good spot." The Bucs' receiver room is crowded with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin coming back from injury, and new first-round pick Emeka Egbuka. McMillan made a big impact, though, 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. He stepped up after Godwin's injury and had seven touchdowns in his last five games. McMillan is a risky pick with so many options in the offense, but he showed off a high enough ceiling to definitely be a part of starting lineups in standard leagues coming into the season.