Tampa Bay Bucs Russell Gage Taken Off Field On Stretcher, Hospitalized; Team Gives Update

Ryan SaavedraJanuary 17, 2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage was carted off Monday night’s NFC wild-card game against the Dallas Cowboys on a stretcher following an injury he sustained late in the fourth quarter.

Gage sustained injuries after he fell trying to catch a Tom Brady pass. Gage fell awkwardly and was then taken by Donovan Wilson, Cowboys safety.

Tuesday morning, the team released a statement following their 31-14 loss.

“After suffering a neck injury and concussion during the fourth quarter of last night’s game, Russell was taken to a local hospital where he remained overnight for additional testing and observation,” According to the team. “Russell has had movement in all extremities and will continue to undergo additional testing today. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

Russell Gage Jr injury on the field as Tom Brady looks on, hope he’s alright pic.twitter.com/by8C6uGE2T

— Ted Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) January 17, 2023

The incident occurred just two weeks following the collapse of safety Damarhamlin from Buffalo Bills and his subsequent cardiac arrest.

“It was really tough — especially with what happened a couple weeks ago,” said Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David. “Russ is a great dude off the field and a great guy on the field. We definitely hope he’s well. He was moving and stuff like that; that was a good sign. Definitely hope he’s OK.”

ESPN reported that Bucs tight-end Cam Brate, who suffered a neck injury in the early part of the season, was also removed from the field on a stretcher during week six.

“You hate to see a guy go down like that, especially with the game being kind of out of reach at that point,” Brate said. “It’s really hard to see your teammate like that. We’re all thinking about Russ and hope he’s doing well. Yeah, it’s tough.”