Russell Gage News

Gage agreed to adjust his 2023 base salary from $10 million to $7 million, thus creating some slight relief for the cap-strapped Buccaneers. This renegotiated contract does fully guarantee his payment for the 2023 season, which represents a $2 million in guaranteed salary, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Gage's new deal also includes multiple salary incentives that will give him an opportunity to earn back some of his previous salary.

Gage was hospitalized after exiting late in the fourth quarter of Monday's 31-14 loss to the Cowboys in the wild-card round upon taking a hit to the back of his head/neck area. While Gage has been diagnosed with a concussion, Bowles disclosed that the Buccaneers have ruled out any neck injury for the veteran receiver. Provided he isn't experiencing long-term symptoms of the concussion, Gage looks like he'll be a full participant by the time OTAs begin in the spring. Gage, who tallied two catches for 10 yards on eight targets before exiting Monday's contest, finished the regular season -- his first in Tampa Bay -- with a 51-426-5 receiving line over 13 games.

Tampa Bay's statement notes that Gage will undergo additional testing Tuesday. The wideout had to be carted off the field during Monday's wild-card playoff loss against Dallas due to a neck injury and concussion. The Buccaneers will provide further updates about the 26-year-old's health as more information becomes available.

Gage had to be carted off the field after sustaining this injury late in the fourth quarter, as he was down on the field for some time following a hit from behind to his head and neck. Bowles added that the 26-year-old had movement in his extremities before being transported to the hospital, per Smith. This subsequent medical examination should provide more clarity on the nature and extent of this potential neck injury as well.

Gage sustained a blow from behind to the head and neck area while attempting to catch an incomplete pass late in the fourth quarter. The exact nature of this injury is still unclear, though the 26-year-old was unable to get up and had to be tended to on the field for an extended period before being carted off, according to Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site.

Gage recorded a three-yard touchdown grab in conjunction with Blaine Gabbert late in the second quarter, which served as the highlight of his abbreviated workday. With Julio Jones (knee) inactive and seemingly a 50/50 proposition to play each week, Gage could be in for an elevated role in next weekend's home wild-card matchup after finishing the regular season with a surge that saw tally four of his five scores in the last five games.