The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing WR Russell Gage.

Gage is added insurance while Chris Godwin is out, but his addition stunts the growth of young wideouts such as Tyler Johnson and Jaelon Darden.

This season, in many ways, was a real opportunity for Russell Gage. The potential of a solidified, understood role as a week-in, week-out starter. The chance to emerge during a contract year -- always good timing -- to then receive a payday that could alter life for generations of his family.

But things, well, they haven’t quite gone that way for the 25-year-old from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In the final year of his contract with the Falcons, it has been a little hit and miss because of an early-season injury and then inconsistent production.

But as the story said, right now, as the season is winding down, he has been hitting more often than missing, potentially finding his way to the ball at the right time. The story went on to say, for the second straight season, Gage’s role has become bigger than initially anticipated. In 2020, Gage became the team’s de facto No. 2 receiver as Julio Jones battled injuries. This year, when he was slated to be the No. 2 receiver after Jones was traded to Tennessee, he in effect became Atlanta’s No. 1 after Calvin Ridley left the team on Halloween to handle personal issues.

Falcons WR Russell Gage (ankle) will miss his fourth straight game according to Armando Salguero of Outkick.com.

The Falcons receiving corps might as well start you and me at this point. Cordarrelle Patterson and Olamide Zaccheus should lead the group.

Falcons WR Russell Gage (ankle) did not practice Wednesday according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

Gage has not played since Week 1 and appears to be in danger of missing his fourth straight game.

Falcons WR Russell Gage (ankle) will miss Week 4 against the Washington Football Team.

Look for Olamide Zaccheus and Kyle Pitts to see majority of targets meant for Gage.

Falcons WR Russell Gage will not play Week 3 at the Giants according to Armando Salguero of Outkick.com.

Related Players: Olamide Zaccheus, Christian Blake

Tough break for the Falcons to lose their second-most trusted wideout in a very thin group. Zaccheus and Blake will see more work, and do not be surprised if Hayden Hurst plays an important role in the short-to-intermediate passing game.

Falcons WR Olamide Zaccheus has been the standout wide receiver for the Falcons with Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage leading the depth chart, according to Kevin Knight of 'The Falcoholic' of SB Nation. "Zaccheaus has also notably been lined up both in the slot and outside, so there’s a chance he could be the starting outside WR opposite Calvin Ridley when the Falcons are in 12 personnel packages," wrote Knight.

The last line is important to note as Russell Gage has worked best from the slot. Zaccheus could also line up opposite another Falcons receiver if Atlanta wants Ridley to get looks inside away from potential shadow coverage. The Falcons may have to throw more unless RB Mike Davis can impress similarly as he did with Carolina in 2020. That could mean more snaps and targets for Zaccheus after showing signs of talent when injuries took away some of Atlanta's receiver depth last season.

Raheem Morris says they don't know right now if Julio Jones will be in or out for Sunday's game against the Raiders. Morris said the Falcons could make it a "game-time decision" with Julio if need be.

Related players: Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, Olamide Zaccheaus, Christian Blake

If Jones can't go, Ridley would be the team's WR1 with Gage likely remaining as the slot guy and WR3. That means Zaccheaus could slide in Jones' spot and be a potential sneaky start. The Falcons host the Raiders in an early afternoon game on Sunday so Jones owners will know in advance and have time to adjust lineups.