The San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday made an interesting move in their receiving corps.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the 49ers are releasing veteran wide receiver Russell Gage with the intention of re-signing him to their practice squad and elevating him to the active roster for Sunday’s season opener vs. the Seattle Seahawks.
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This is the second time in a week the 49ers have released Gage. He was also let go at final cuts on Aug. 26 before being re-signed a couple days later. Now he’ll be a free agent.
Letting Gage go opens a roster spot for San Francisco, but it’s unclear exactly how they’d use the open place. They did just hold a visit with veteran Kendrick Bourne and offered him a contract. Bourne left without a deal to visit the Washington Commanders.
Perhaps they got word that Bourne had a change of heart and they’re freeing up a roster spot for that eventual signing. They could also be digging into the free agent pool to add depth at another position since they’re light on experience in the secondary and on the defensive front.
With Gage out of the building, the 49ers will roster only four wide receivers with Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Skyy Moore and rookie Jordan Watkins. Watkins is dealing with a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss Week 1.
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Gage has been one of the best stories of the offseason for the 49ers. The 30-year-old has battled back from multiple injuries to try and secure a roster spot for his first NFL action since the 2022 season. He performed well for a depleted WR corps in camp and looked to be headed toward snaps as a third receiver in the opener. That role could still be open for him if he joins the practice squad and is elevated alongside fellow practice squad member Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the opener Sept. 7 in Seattle.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers to release veteran WR Russell Gage before Week 1