Russell Gage

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.