Russell Gage: Everything you need to know

San Francisco released Gage from its practice squad Wednesday. In a corresponding transaction, the 49ers signed kicker Matt Gay to their practice squad. It seems like wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee) should be available again soon for San Francisco, so there may not be as much desperation for depth at that position now as there was for much of the year up to this point. For his part, Gage will become an unrestricted free agent.

Gage reverted to San Francisco's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log. This was almost certainly just a temporary move, as Gage is fully expected to be active for Sunday's Week 2 tilt in New Orleans. The veteran wideout finished third among the 49ers' wideouts in offensive snaps with 28 on Sunday versus Seattle, behind only Ricky Pearsall (64) and Jauan Jennings (50). Jennings hurt his shoulder in the victory and is awaiting results of an MRI, which should help determine his chances of playing against the Saints. If Jennings can't suit up Sunday, Gage figures to take on a more prominent role, especially with star tight end George Kittle slated to miss multiple weeks due to a hamstring injury. Gage didn't see any official targets in Week 1, but he had a pass thrown his way that went incomplete and was wiped out by a roughing-the-passer penalty. Aside from Pearsall and Gage, San Francisco's other healthy options at wide receiver are Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore and Kendrick Bourne, the latter of whom was signed on Monday and may need some time to acclimate to the team.

The 49ers elevated Gage (knee) from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game at Seattle. Gage was diagnosed with an MCL sprain Aug. 21 and received a recovery timeline of 7-to-10 days at the time. Since then, he's been released by the 49ers, re-signed and released again before landing on the practice squad Wednesday with the expectation that he'd be elevated for Week 1. Now that that has come to pass, Gage will serve as a depth wide receiver Sunday behind Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore, with rookie Jordan Watkins (ankle) doubtful to play.