Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or LaJohntay Wester

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.

Friday, August 8, 10:08 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver LaJohntay Wester put together a fantastic debut in the team's first preseason game after being drafted in the sixth round out of Colorado. The speedster scored his first touchdown near the end of the first quarter when he returned a punt to the house for 87 yards. He flashed his elusiveness after making the first four tacklers miss, and turned on the burners. Overall, he finished with 104 return yards on three attempts and two receptions for 41 yards on three targets. If Wester continues this level of play, he could find his way into the fourth receiver spot over Devontez Walker and Tylan Wallace.