Is Tetairoa McMillan Playing Week 4? Should Fantasy Managers Worry About the Panthers WR’s Injury?

The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 4 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news.

Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan missed some practice time due to an injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?

Is Tetairoa McMillan Playing Week 4?

McMillan did not suit up for practice on Wednesday, appearing in street clothes while the rest of the team participated in their usual gear. The injury was later revealed to be a calf issue that kept him sidelined for the opening practice of the week.

At the time, it was unclear what specific injury the rookie was 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 the Wednesday development somewhat surprising.

McMillan appeared to be in good spirits while walking to the practice facility, which suggested this wasn’t anything particularly serious. His demeanor and body language didn’t indicate someone dealing with a significant health concern.

Importantly, McMillan himself said on Wednesday that he expects to play against New England, providing direct reassurance to fantasy managers about his availability. This first-hand confidence from the player himself represents the most encouraging news possible regarding his status.

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Head coach Dave Canales was not overly concerned about the calf issue, but did make it a point to say that how McMillan’s calf responded on Saturday to Friday’s work would be important. This indicates the team was monitoring his progress closely while remaining optimistic about his chances.

McMillan returned to practice on Thursday and Friday and was able to participate, demonstrating that the calf issue was resolving as expected. His two limited practices and his confidence about playing suggest he successfully passed the team’s evaluation process.

The Panthers designated McMillan questionable on the final injury report, which is standard protocol for players managing minor injuries before game day.

At this point, fantasy managers should expect McMillan to play against the Patriots. His expectations, the coaching staff’s measured optimism, and his return to practice create a positive outlook for his Week 4 availability.

On Saturday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirmed that McMillan is “good to go.”

McMillan’s Fantasy Football Outlook

Context is king. You’d be impressed if I told you that McMillan was earning nine targets per game through three professional contests. 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. Despite the strong showing on Sunday against the Falcons, this Panthers team is going nowhere fast. Some pieces are 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.

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Efficiency concerns are part of doing business, but we know they are an issue because he’s earning enough looks for us to notice. I highly value the ability to play at pro speed 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 McMillan would 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.

— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst