The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely be with out one in every of their key gamers in Week 1.
Huge receiver Jalen McMillan will miss the season opener, and maybe will likely be out even longer.
“Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles stated WR Jalen McMillan suffered a severely strained neck and can miss time, together with the beginning of the season. McMillan is at present in a neck brace,” Ari Meirov of The thirty third Staff wrote on X.
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles stated WR Jalen McMillan suffered a severely strained neck and can miss time, together with the beginning of the season.
McMillan is at present in a neck brace. pic.twitter.com/rpc2qdimcg
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 19, 2025
McMillan fell awkwardly on the again of his head making an attempt to make a catch within the preseason recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He was hit by Steelers defensive again Daryl Porter Jr., and his physique appeared to fold halfway by means of his leap.
Luckily, McMillan was capable of stroll off the sphere after being evaluated by the medical workers, however he needed to be be taken to the hospital for testing.
Bowles stated the extent and nature of the damage aren’t career-threatening.
Even so, he didn’t wish to give any timeline for a return, and they’ll most probably take it slowly with the second-year participant.
McMillan broke out with a league-leading seven landing receptions within the last 5 weeks of the 2024 common season.
The Bucs are additionally with out Chris Godwin as he continues to work his means again from ankle surgical procedure and hasn’t been activated from the PUP checklist.
Within the meantime, quarterback Baker Mayfield will flip to veteran Mike Evans and promising rookie Emeka Egbuka within the passing recreation.
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