Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan will miss significant time after sustaining a severely strained neck during Saturday’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed on Tuesday that McMillan will not be available for the Buccaneers’ Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on September 7, leading to concerns about his recovery timeline.
Details of the Injury and Expected Recovery
The injury occurred in the early stages of the first quarter when McMillan attempted to catch a pass from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. During the play, Steelers defensive back Daryl Porter undercut McMillan’s legs as he was airborne, causing him to land awkwardly on his head and neck. Despite the severity of the fall, McMillan was able to leave the field unaided, supported by the Buccaneers’ medical team.
Initially, the team diagnosed his condition as a back injury and concussion, but additional testing revealed a severely strained neck. McMillan was seen wearing a neck brace during practice on Tuesday morning, indicating the seriousness of the injury. According to Tampa Bay Times journalist Rick Stroud, McMillan will be placed on injured reserve, suggesting he could be sidelined through the team’s Week 9 bye week.
Impact on Buccaneers’ Receiving Corps
McMillan’s absence compounds existing challenges in Tampa Bay’s wide receiver group, which is already coping with the loss of Chris Godwin, who continues to rehabilitate from a season-ending ankle injury sustained in Week 7 last year. Though there is speculation Godwin might start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, general manager Jason Licht has yet to offer confirmation.
With McMillan out, receivers Mike Evans and rookie Emeka Egbuka are expected to lead the Buccaneers’ passing attack in Week 1. McMillan was projected to be a starter alongside Evans and Egbuka, making his absence a significant setback for the team. The Buccaneers will look to wrap up preseason action against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday without their young wideout.
McMillan’s Promising Start and Team Outlook
The 23-year-old wide receiver, a third-round draft pick out of Washington in 2024, had a strong rookie season, amassing 461 yards and eight touchdowns over 13 games with 12 starts. His contributions were key in helping Tampa Bay secure the NFC South title for the fourth straight season. McMillan’s injury interrupts the momentum he built and leaves the team navigating a more uncertain receiving depth chart heading into the regular season.
Coach Bowles has not yet specified a clear timeline for McMillan’s return but placing him on injured reserve ensures his absence will be at least the first four weeks of the season. The Buccaneers face a difficult task managing their offensive weapons while hoping for McMillan’s eventual recovery.
“McMillan has a severely strained neck and won’t be ready for the Bucs’ Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 7.”
— Todd Bowles, Head Coach
“McMillan will be placed on injured reserve and could be out through the team’s Week 9 bye.”
— Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times