Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield stated last month that wide receiver Russell Gage was "the perfect slot for our program" and that he could start his first season with them doing more than just that.

Chris Godwin is still undergoing treatment for a torn ACL. He may not be able to play at the beginning of the regular season. Gage would be the No. Gage would be the No. 2 wideout behind Mike Evans, and quarterback Tom Brady made it clear last week at minicamp that he has high hopes for his new teammate.

Brady stated, via Jenna Laine at ESPN.com: "He must have a huge year." "This is an important role for an offense who throws the ball as much and as often as we do. . . . Russ is always out there and there is a lot to do in the next six weeks. This year, we are challenged from the beginning.

Gage is expected to be the Bucs' primary offensive player when they face the Saints, Cowboys and Packers in September. Gage should be able to handle the challenge and the offense in Tampa will again be difficult to slow down if he is up to it.