When it rains, it pours for the San Francisco 49ers.
Kyle Shanahan’s team continues to struggle with injuries, and the wide receivers corps has been stung by the injury bug pretty badly this offseason.
As reported by ESPN insider Adam Schefter, it was Russell Gage‘s turn to make the headlines this time.
Gage reportedly sustained a sprained MCL, and he’ll miss the next seven to 10 days, barring a setback.
Another 49ers skill-position injury: Wide receiver Russell Gage, who was being counted on to help replace other injured receivers, is believed to have suffered a sprained MCL that is expected to sideline him 7 to 10 days, per sources. https://t.co/d4v3tYUKMx pic.twitter.com/y3RLDfSXVg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2025
The Niners signed him to their practice squad in November, and they gave him a reserve/futures contract early this year.
He’s hauled in 244 receptions for 2,491 yards and 14 touchdowns throughout five seasons between 2018 and 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Niners will need some help to get pass-catchers on the field for the session opener.
Brandon Aiyuk won’t be available for Week 1 as he continues to work his way back from MCL and ACL injuries, while rookie Jordan Watkins is dealing with a high-ankle sprain.
Veteran Jauan Jennings is out with a calf injury, and second-year pro Jacob Cowing is also dealing with a hamstring injury.
The Niners looked to address those issues by trading for former Kansas City Chiefs draft pick Skyy Moore.
In the meantime, second-year pro Ricky Pearsall might handle the bulk of the work.
This team already dealt with a plethora of injuries last season.
They just broke the bank to give Brock Purdy a big contract, and he will be under a lot of pressure to prove that he can thrive without a myriad of All-Pros by his side.
NEXT: 49ers Wide Receiver Has Been Suspended 3 Games