The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a big hole on their roster with the loss of WR3 Russell Gage. 

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should be able to shoulder the majority of the load to some degree, but counting on both to stay healthy for a full year is a bit too optimistic.

With limited cap space and not a ton of options on the market, the Buccaneers may have to rely on someone currently on the roster to save the offense. That player looks like it could be rookie Trey Palmer.

Palmer has been one of the brightest stories for the Bucs during camp. 

After joining the team in the sixth round after a college career with LSU and Nebraska, Palmer was able to use his speed, route-running ability, and body control to make a name for himself as an obvious fit for the 53-man roster. 

Between one of the best catches of the preseason for the Bucs with a touchdown against the Steelers and a viral highlight of him torching All-Pro DB Sauce Gardner, Palmer now looks like he won't just be a fringe roster guy.

In fact, Palmer was already making a case to play some legitimate minutes as a rookie. Now, he looks like he could become the third wide receiver after the injury to Russell Gage.

This may be a lot to ask of a rookie, but this wouldn't be the first time that Tampa put a young receiver or pass-catcher in a prominent role.

If plays like the ones we have seen in the preseason are the norm, why shouldn't Palmer get the chance to prove that he can be a cheap alternative to lesser veterans on the open market?

There is obviously still time that Jason Licht and the Bucs could get busy, but it sure seems like the Trey Palmer hype train is leaving the station, and that should be the best thing that could happen to this team during such a difficult time.

Buccaneers get bad news about important offensive starter

Not a good start to the season.

Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports