Jalen McMillan to Miss Time After Scary Neck Injury

A concerning and unfortunate situation has emerged in Tampa Bay, as Head Coach Todd Bowles disclosed that wide receiver Jalen McMillan will be out of action due to a “severely strained neck” and is anticipated to miss “some time.” Bowles added that, at this moment, McMillan has not been placed on injured reserve—a status that requires a minimum four-week absence from regular-season games. Still, he will be unavailable at least through the season opener on September 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Bowles’ latest update.

The injury occurred in the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McMillan jumped to make a catch when he was undercut by Steelers defensive back Daryl Porter, causing him to land hard on the back of his head. Though medical personnel attended to him immediately on the field, McMillan was able to walk off unaided before being taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and observation.

McMillan, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington, had demonstrated promising talent during his college tenure, hauling in 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. Notably, he led the NCAA with seven touchdown receptions over the final five weeks of Washington’s regular season, highlighting his ability to deliver crucial plays when it mattered most.

This injury compounds the Buccaneers’ mounting challenges at the wide receiver position. Veteran Chris Godwin is currently recovering from ankle surgery and remains on the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. If both Godwin and McMillan face extended absences, a considerable burden will fall on 2025 first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka and veteran Mike Evans, who will be expected to shoulder the offensive load and provide leadership on the field.

The Bucs now confront a tough period of adjustment as they reorganize their receiving corps under these trying conditions. The team’s ability to sustain offensive cohesion amidst these setbacks will be crucial as they gear up to launch their season and compete in what could be a fiercely contested NFC South division.