Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Nick Nash

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.

Sunday, August 31, 10:30 PM

Undrafted wide receiver Nick Nash did not make the Atlanta Falcons' initial 53-man roster but will remain with the team via its practice squad, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Nash played well in the preseason, hauling in six catches for 87 yards in the team's final exhibition contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The 26-year-old was named an All-American in his final collegiate season at San Jose State in 2024, recording 104 catches for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns in 12 games. The Falcons currently have seven wide receivers on their active roster, so Nash has an uphill climb to a chance at playing time in 2025.