Who Should I Start? Russell Gage Jr. or Tez Johnson

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.

Monday, November 10, 10:32 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson hauled in four of five targets for 42 yards and two touchdowns in the team's 28-23 loss to the New England Patriots. Since Mike Evans (collarbone) went down, Johnson has emerged as a key piece of the Buccaneers' passing attack, recording at least 40 yards in every game since the injury, and scoring four touchdowns over his last four contests. The rookie from Oregon is averaging 14.2 fantasy points per game since Week 6, ranking 20th among wide receivers during that stretch. With Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan all sidelined, Johnson should remain a featured target for Baker Mayfield moving forward.