Russell Gage being released from hospital, confirms Bucs head coach Todd Bowles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has revealed Russell Gage is due to be released from hospital Tuesday.

Gage underwent additional testing in hospital Tuesday after being taken off on a stretcher following a brutal hit that left him twitching on the floor and unable to get to his feet.

Speaking to the media hours after an earlier Bucs statement, Bowles explained Gage had a concussion but would be checking out of hospital. 

‘He just has a concussion,’ Bowles said. ‘He should be being released this afternoon. His neck is fine and right now he has all his extremities moving.’ 

In a tweet posted earlier Tuesday, Gage paid thanks to all of the messages of support he had received.

Gage, who played collegiately at LSU before being taken in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, wrote: ‘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!’ 

Gage sent an update to his Twitter followers to thank them for their supportive messages

Gage (17) was hit by Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) during the second half Monday

Gage was soon examined on the turf as stunned teammates look on during Monday’s game

The incident took place late in the fourth quarter on a crossing route over the middle of the field. 

Gauge stumbled as he tried to haul in Tom Brady’s pass with Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson leaning in for a tackle. It was then that Wilson collided with the back of Gage’s helmet, sending his neck recoiling in the opposite direction. 

Gage attempted to get up, but his body slumped back down to the turf, prompting immediate concern among both Bucs and Cowboys players. 

This season, Gage had five touchdowns and 426 yards, but on a difficult night in the Wild Card playoffs Monday he only managed 10 yards on eight targets.

Shortly after Gage was carted off the field and taken to hospital, the Cowboys saw out a routine 31-14 victory over the Bucs to book their spot in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, sealing a mouthwatering tie with the 49ers next weekend.