Russell Gage, a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is in the hospital following an on-field neck injury.
Russell Gage Was Sacked By Donovan Wilson During Playoffs
The incident occurred during the match-up between the Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. During the fourth quarter of the high-stakes playoff game, Russell sustained a hit from from Donovan Wilson, and he wasn’t able to get himself off of the ground afterwards.
As a result, Russell was carried off of the field on a spine board.
#RussellGage
Hoping the injury is not serious
By video, no worry for paralysis
Also don't see how he was allowed to get up if spinal cord worry
Hope he is OK. pic.twitter.com/aMfx5v8doy— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) January 17, 2023
Just saw this hit on the injury to Russell Gage. Terrible. Hope he’s okay. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/UwXYp0yvdT
— TRENTSTRONG413 (@trentstrong413) January 17, 2023
Prayers for Russell swiftly began pouring in, and people also began slamming Donovan for making such a move in the first place.
Donovan Wilson with a cheap shot to the neck of Gage. What a dirty disgusting play by Wilson.
— Christopher Knight (@Sugek244) January 17, 2023
Such an unnecessary hit by Donovan Wilson. You are up 31-6 and going for headshots
— Prince (@princengy) January 17, 2023
Thankfully, though, Russell was reported as having “movement in his extremities” before being taken to the hospital.
Head Coach Todd Bowles says Russell Gage has been taken to the hospital. He has a concussion and is being checked for a neck injury. Had movement in his extremities.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) January 17, 2023
The Athlete Is Undergoing Testing & ‘In Great Spirits’
On Tuesday, the Buccaneers released an update and confirmed that Russell sustained a neck injury, as well as a concussion. The statement also shared that Russell would “continue to undergo additional testing and observation.”
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 17, 2023
Soon after, Russell took to Twitter to express his gratitude for all the support he’s received. He also noted that he is “doing great and in great spirits.”
“I appreciate all of the texts, calls, thoughts and prayers you all have expressed towards my family and I. I just wanted to let you all know that I’m doing great and in great spirits! Thank you!”
https://twitter.com/GageRussell/status/1615424099676786692?s=20&t=XQe1MNks3jilzTb_ZRMlag
There are no further updates on Russell’s situation at this time.
Russell Gage Was Hospitalized Just Two Weeks After Damar Hamlin Collapsed
The news of Russell’s hospitalization comes on the heels of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin facing a serious medical scare of his own.
As The Shade Room reported earlier this month, Damar collapsed during a Jan. 2 match-up against the Cincinnati Bengals. He ultimately went into cardiac arrest and received treatment at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
Thankfully, Damar soon regained consciousness, and he was eventually discharged from the hospital.
An amazing Damar Hamlin update. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/GyP2uDQry0
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 11, 2023
Our hearts and prayers are with Russell Gage, and we wish him a full recovery.
