49ers may get some much-needed WR help from player whose career almost ended

The San Francisco 49ers need some help in their banged up receiving corps, and they may be getting it from one of the unlikeliest places on the roster.

Veteran wide receiver Russell Gage hasn't played in an NFL game since 2022 when he put up 51 catches for 426 yards and five touchdowns. He suffered a neck injury in the playoffs that year, then tore his patellar tendon in training camp. Gage briefly joined the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad in the 2024 preseason, and landed with the 49ers' practice squad in November.

Advertisement

Gage appeared to be on the outside looking in at a roster spot entering camp after having two injuries that nearly ended his career. His performance in extra opportunities because of other injury issues at the position have pushed him into the thick of the competition for a roster spot according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.

“Yeah, he’s definitely given himself a chance," Shanahan told reporters after Thursday's joint practice with the Denver Broncos. "I think Russ had a really good offseason. You know, I've always been a fan of Russell since he came out of college. I was a huge fan of his when he was in Atlanta and he signed that big deal with Tampa. Then he had some really bad luck with some injuries that almost ended his career, and I think he took about a year and a half off, I'm going to guess. We got him last year to put on our practice squad and you could see him throughout the whole year working to get his legs back and to get back in receiver shape and be able to handle the cuts after his injuries. I think the way he finished last year was really positive. He put the work in this offseason and I think he's back to being a really good NFL player now and fighting to make this team."

It would be a significant win for the 49ers if Gage makes the club and provides consistent production in the receiving corps. Brandon Aiyuk is still returning from the knee injury he suffered last season. There's no return timeline for Jauan Jennings as he battles a calf issue, and Jacob Cowing is out with a hamstring injury.

There are tons of question marks in the receiving corps and most of the answers down the 49ers' roster have limited experience. Gage has 74 NFL games under his belt and may provide some much-needed stability after two years away from the NFL regular season.