The Atlanta Falcons will have a new return specialist on the field this week as they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Wide receiver/return specialist Russell Gage will make his season debut as the Falcons’ primary returner, replacing the injured Brandon Powell. Meanwhile, the Jaguars will be without their own return specialist, Jamal Agnew, who has been declared inactive for the game.
The Falcons have been without a primary return specialist since Powell suffered a foot injury in Week 3. Gage, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, has been waiting in the wings and is now ready to take over the role. He has experience as a return specialist, having returned punts and kickoffs during his college career at LSU.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, will be without Agnew, who has been their primary return specialist this season. Agnew has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury that has limited his practice time and ultimately led to his being declared inactive for Sunday’s game.
The Falcons and Jaguars will both be looking to make the most of their new returners. Gage is an explosive player who is capable of making big plays in the return game, while Agnew’s absence could leave the Jaguars vulnerable to big returns. It will be interesting to see how each team adjusts to their new return specialists and how they fare in Sunday’s matchup.
