The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a serious blow to their receiving corps on Wednesday.
In a joint practice with the New York Jets, wide receiver Russell Gage suffered a serious knee injury.
According to Ari Meirov, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said the injury was non-contact and it is “pretty serious.”
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles said WR Russell Gage suffered a “pretty serious” non-contact injury during today’s practice.
“Our hearts go out to him,” Bowles said. pic.twitter.com/mgPoKcb3mu
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 16, 2023
Gage was set to enter the season as the Bucs’ WR3 behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Now it appears they will need a new receiver to step up in Gage’s absence.
After a few tests were done post-practice it has been revealed that Gage will miss the entire 2023 season.
Source: #Bucs WR Russell Gage will miss the 2023 season with the knee injury suffered today vs. the Jets.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 16, 2023
It is the worst to see a player get injured in training camp.
But, to miss the entire season does not seem fair.
Yet, that comes with playing a sport with a 100% injury rate.
Now, the Buccaneers need another wide receiver.
Most offenses use three-receiver formations as their base package.
So having three that you can count on week in and week out is crucial.
Plus, the Bucs no longer have Tom Brady at quarterback.
With Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask, there will be more pressure on the wide receivers to play at a high level.
Even with the loss of Brady, the team can still contend in a wide-open NFC South this year.
None of the teams in that division are proven and it is up for the taking.
It will be interesting to see how the Bucs operate this year with a new quarterback.
But, to think things will go as smoothly as the past few years would be a mistake.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Has Hilarious Response To Replacing Tom Brady
