The bad news just keeps piling up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Apart from the dismal loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the wildcard round, the Bucs get to take away another major sorrow on Monday night. Veteran receiver Russell Gage was carted off the field when he was unable to get up after a tackle during the game. Reports suggest he was taken to the nearest hospital to test for a concussion and neck injuries.
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Gage’s injury came about in the 4th quarter of the game, when Brady threw a 19 -yard pass towards him. Falling to the ground as the ball reached him, he was only able to deflect the ball in another direction. Right after, Cowboys’ safety Donovan Wilson hit Gage in the back of his head. A fallen Gage was unable to get up after that, no matter how hard he tried. Trainers and medical staff tended to him for several minutes, before finally carting him off the field, and taking him to the nearest hospital.
“It was really tough — especially with what happened a couple weeks ago,” teammate Lavonte David said. “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.”
Tight end Cam Brate, who had to be stretchered off the field in Week 6 after spraining his neck, said, “You hate to see a guy go down like that, especially with the game being kind of out of reach at that point. 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.”
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Russell Gage stretchered off as Bucs limp past the finish line
Monday’s loss might just be the one that hurts the Bucs the most this season. Even with all their downs this year, the playoffs offered them a fresh chance at setting things right. Their fall from grace has been rapid and unstoppable this season, and now the only method of redemption is no longer in their hands. The one most affected by this loss would by Tom Brady, who many speculate could leave the Bucs this season.
TB12 does not seem to have a reason to stay, either. He came back to the Bucs hoping he’d win another Super Bowl. However, that decision has only led to loss after loss for him. A career low season, along with his marriage falling apart, will only make him more motivated to leave. Already the rumors are strong about the Las Vegas Raiders honing their horns in an attempt to bag the legendary QB.
The New Orleans Saints, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Miami Dolphins, all look like prospective landing spots for Brady. This sets the off-season up for a spicy war between these franchises to get their hands on the most lucrative franchise QB in the NFL ever. Which city will be lucky enough to have him lead their offense? Or will he just pack his bags and leave the NFL for good?
