The San Francisco 49ers have put OTAs on the back burner and have shifted their focus to minicamp. That two-day session will lead them right into a few weeks off before training camp.
Several players have started standing out in practices, including rookie WR Jordan Watkins. Jacob Cowing is another guy who impressed some of his teammates like George Kittle.
The opportunities to get more chances at receiver are as open as ever for San Francisco. Deebo Samuel was traded away earlier this offseason. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall are both on the side, dealing with some injuries.
While guys like Watkins and Cowing are taking advantage, veteran receiver Russell Gage is someone who will face an uphill climb to make the roster.
Russell Gage Has Uphill Climb to 53-Man Roster After OTAs
Outside of the four receivers named above, Demarcus Robinson and Jauan Jennings are two more receivers who are a lock to make the roster. That's already six guys ahead of Gage. Last November, he signed with the 49ers' practice squad before landing a reserve/future contract in January.
Gage suffered a torn patellar tendon in 2023 as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has been looking for another chance since. Over five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and Bucs, he posted 244 receptions for 2,491 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Gage is someone who served as a depth option, but that may not be his path on the 49ers.
There are a ton of guys on the team who are younger and more explosive than him. Considering that San Francisco isn't going to rush Aiyuk or Pearsall back, they may look to keep Gage around.
However, once they are cleared, the reps in practice will quickly dry up. That doesn't bode well for Gage and his future with the team.