Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Russell Gage Jr.

Friday, March 14, 7:12 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has reached a new contract with the organization. The veteran wideout will stick around in Tampa Bay for at least one more season, but his salary is undisclosed. Shepard hauled in 32 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown in 14 games (five starts) with the Bucs. The 32-year-old did a nice job filling in when the Bucs were without Chris Godwin and Mike Evans for a few games. Shepard figures to serve as depth behind Godwin, Evans, and Jalen McMillian in the Tampa Bay offense. That being said, Shepard probably won't be on the fantasy radar to begin the season.

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.