Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Russell Gage says he is "doing great" despite being carted off after a frightening hit in Monday's wildcard defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.
There were echoes of the terrifying Damar Hamlin emergency two weeks ago when the wide receiver had to be taken from the field on a backboard in the closing stages of the fourth quarter of the 31-14 loss to the Cowboys, with teammates and opponents watching on in fear something serious had occurred.
After losing his footing when trying to haul in a pass from Tom Brady, Gage wore an awkward hit from Cowboys safety Donavan Wilson, catching him in the helmet with his arm and causing significant stress to the neck area.
After the game, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles revealed 26-year-old Gage had a concussion and was being evaluated for neck injuries in hospital.
On Tuesday morning, the Bucs announced Gage had "movement in all his extremities", and the former Atlanta Falcons wideout later moved to ease fans' concerns.
"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."
ESPN Monday Night Football crew Joe Buck and Troy Aikman were in the booth commentating on the game, as they were for the Hamlin incident on January 2 when he suffered a cardiac arrest following a routine hit in the abandoned Week 17 clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bills defensive back Hamlin was rushed to hospital after receiving life-saving treatment on the field. After spending more than a week in hospital, he had made significant progress in his recovery and was discharged on January 11.
The terrifying incident has left a lasting impression on fans and players alike, with widespread concern shared on social media on Monday into Tuesday until confirmation arrived that Gage had not suffered a significant injury.
Before leaving the game, Gage caught two passes for 10 yards on a miserable night for the Bucs, with the Cowboys racing into a 24-0 lead at Raymond James Stadium.
It signalled a disappointing end to what is likely to be Brady's final season in Tampa, with the Las Vegas Raiders leading the race to sign him when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.
But that disappointment was put into perspective when Gage was left almost motionless on the floor, and his teammates will share in the relief that their number 17 has escaped a serious injury.
