Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage was released from the hospital after undergoing tests and further evaluation for a concussion and a possible neck injury he sustained during Monday night’s playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Gage was injured by a hit to his back from safety Donovan Wilson that forced his head to snap forward on an incomplete pass with 2:55 left in the game.
He tried to get up after the play but fell back to the turf and was quickly surrounded by team trainers and medical staff. Gage lay on the ground for several minutes as players from both teams gathered around him. He was eventually taken to a local Tampa hospital, where he remained overnight.
The game continued, and the Cowboys won 31-14 to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
“They took him to the hospital right now, he has a concussion. They’ll also test him for potential neck injuries,” head coach Todd Bowles told the media in a postgame press conference. “His fingers were moving when he was down there. I don’t know about the rest.”
The team released a statement on Gage’s status on Tuesday that read,
“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. Russell has had movement in all extremities and will continue to undergo additional testing today. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”
Gage took to Twitter to thank everyone for their support.
“I appreciate all of the texts, calls, thoughts and prayers you all have expressed towards my family and I,” he tweeted. “I just wanted to let you all know that I’m doing great and in great spirits! Thank you!”
Gage’s injury comes just two weeks after the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals canceled their Monday night game after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field due to cardiac arrest.
This was Gage’s first year with Tampa Bay after spending the first four years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons.
