The Carolina Panthers have been relying heavily on their rookie receiver to provide a spark in what has been an inconsistent offensive attack. Tetairoa McMillan has emerged as a bright spot through the first three weeks of the season. However, his Week 4 availability has come into question after developments at Wednesday’s practice. For fantasy football managers counting on the first-round pick, what is the latest on his status?
Tetairoa McMillan Injury Update
McMillan did not suit up for practice on Wednesday, appearing in street clothes while the rest of the team participated in their usual gear. This heavily suggests McMillan will be listed as DNP (did not participate) on Wednesday’s official practice report when it’s released later today.
At this point, it’s unclear what specific injury the rookie is dealing with. He played 90% of the snaps in Week 3 against Atlanta, marking his highest snap rate of the season to date. Nothing during that game suggested any injury took place, making this development somewhat surprising.
Update:Â McMillan was officially listed as dealing with a calf issue. This is tricky because calves can be problematic, but they can also be nothing. Thursday’s participation level will be key.
Second Update:Â We got some good news from the man himself.
Tetairoa McMillan (calf) said he expects to play Week 4.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 24, 2025
The nature of his absence won’t be fully clear until the official injury report is released, which should provide details about what McMillan is managing health-wise. As of Wednesday afternoon, the team has not made any public statements regarding his condition.
For now, fantasy managers should remain calm about this development. It is Wednesday, and Wednesday practices are largely meaningless in terms of actual game availability. Players dealing with anything remotely considered an injury are often held out or given the day off as a precautionary measure.
McMillan appeared to be in good spirits while walking to the practice facility, which suggests this isn’t anything particularly serious. His demeanor and body language didn’t indicate someone dealing with a significant health concern.
Both Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette arrive to practice, neither are dressed #Panthers pic.twitter.com/iTJIuf5Vmk
— Danielle Stein (@Danielle_Stein9) September 24, 2025
As long as he returns to practice on Thursday in some capacity, whether limited or full, he should be fine to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Thursday’s practice participation will be much more telling about his actual availability for the weekend.
Thursday update: McMillan got in a limited practice on Thursday. As much as we’d prefer to see full participation, this puts him on track to play.
Friday update: McMillan got in another limited session on Friday. He is questionable. Head coach Dave Canales indicated the team will see how he feels on Saturday, but it sounds as if the rookie is going to play.
McMillan Fantasy Outlook
Context is king.
If I told you that Tetairoa McMillan was earning nine targets per game through three professional contests, you’d be impressed.
If I left that part out and said that his catch rate is hovering around 50% and that he hasn’t scored, you’d be wondering if the preseason buzz was worth it.
I’m choosing the glass-half-full approach. This Panthers team, despite the strong showing on Sunday against the Falcons, is going nowhere fast. There are some pieces in place, but this isn’t a team ready to contend at a serious level.
With the context of a bad team and no real target-earning support, I’m thrilled with the volume that McMillan has seen through three weeks. He’s opening up windows that are large enough for Bryce Young to see, and that’s a win.
The efficiency concerns are a part of doing business, but we know they are an issue because he’s earning enough looks for us to notice. I value the ability to play at pro speed highly for incoming rookies, and McMillan has checked that box with relative ease thus far.
There will be some big games this season. I have no doubt. Carolina schemed up almost the football version of a pick-and-roll for McMillan on an early fourth down, and it’s that sort of creativity that I’m looking for.
No one thought that McMillan was going to make Young into Patrick Mahomes or that his rookie season would look like that of Puka Nacua. He’s a reasonably polished receiver in an ugly spot who is doing the best he can.
I’m encouraged and think the future is brighter than the past. McMillan is a top-20 receiver for me this week and a viable WR2 the rest of the way.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
