By the end of their 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the Minnesota Vikings were without their top three pass-catchers, leading to calls for the team to bring in veteran wide receiver Russell Gage.
Bleacher Report suggested that signing Gage could be a solution to the Vikings’ most pressing need after their Week 2 win, which marked their first 2-0 start since 2016 and defied many expectations.
To maintain their winning streak, the Vikings might need to add depth at wide receiver.
Justin Jefferson left the game in the fourth quarter with a quad contusion, Jordan Addison was sidelined with an ankle injury from Week 1, and tight end T.J. Hockenson is on injured reserve recovering from knee surgery.
According to Bleacher Report, adding a five-year veteran like Gage, who has nearly 250 career catches for 2,500 yards and 14 touchdowns, could be beneficial. Gage could either be added to the active roster or the practice squad.
In Jefferson’s absence, third-year receiver Jalen Nailor stepped up, while veterans Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield rotated as the third wide receiver. Trishton Jackson, who played five snaps, has only two career receptions.
Bringing Gage in on a veteran minimum contract might be a prudent move.
Gage, a sixth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, had a notable 2020 season in place of an injured Julio Jones, recording 72 receptions for 786 yards and four touchdowns. His strong performance continued into his final year with the Falcons.
However, after signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, Gage struggled with injuries, missing five games that season and suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2023. The Buccaneers did not renew his contract, leading him to free agency.
Gage spent the summer with the Baltimore Ravens but did not make their final roster. At 28, he remains relatively young but may have lost some speed due to his injuries. Still, his career totals of 2,491 receiving yards, 244 receptions, and 14 touchdowns could make him a valuable asset for the Vikings’ practice squad.
Despite his early exit, Jefferson, who finished the game with four catches for 133 yards, including a 97-yard touchdown, expects to play in the Vikings’ Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. He described his injury as a minor thigh bruise and is confident he’ll be ready for the next game.
Vikings Poised to Acquire 2,500-Yard WR Following Injuries to Jefferson and Jordan Addison
