A wide receiver taken in the top 10 of the NFL Draft comes with huge expectations attached to him. For Tetairoa McMillan, the story was no different, as the Carolina Panthers took him as the long-term running mate for their quarterback, provided Bryce Young can continue his breakout from the end of the 2024 season.
McMillan did not play much in the preseason Week 1 game against the Cleveland Browns. Does he factor into the Panthers’ plans against the Texans? Or is the organization going to try to protect its big offseason investment?
Will Tetairoa McMillan Suit Up Against the Texans?
In his NFL preseason debut, McMillan finished with two receptions and 43 yards, including a 30-yard reception down the sideline. However, the eighth overall pick could have doubled his catches and recorded a touchdown.
But a series of drops, one on a perfect ball from Young, and another from veteran backup Andy Dalton, caused his numbers to dip. As a result, the Panthers will look to get back on track against the Texans.
While the rest of the roster chose to focus on the positives, fans who followed his career at the collegiate level know what McMillan is capable of. In his final year, he recorded 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 15.7 yards per reception.
A true game-breaker, head coach Dave Canales was extremely high on him. “That’s what we’re counting on. That’s why he’s here. Stretch the field, play big, and that was a sign of good things.”
Additionally, his quarterback was also a fan of his playmaking, as Young added, “I have a ton of trust and confidence in him. He did a great job of pulling his line and giving me a spot to throw the ball. It was a great catch.”
If Tetairoa McMillan can do this to Derek Stingley, Jr., consistently. all CBs are on notice pic.twitter.com/XuG5joYZaC
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) August 14, 2025
It will likely be the final preseason game in which many starters get reps. However, unlike the first preseason game, their time spent on the field might see a small increment based on Canales’ game plan for the year.
McMillan will look to make an impact early and establish himself as the potential WR1 in Carolina. The matchup against the Texans might be the perfect opportunity to rectify his shortcomings.
This has to be one of the worst written articles of all time. What is this writer talking about? Arizona Wildcats? Threw for over 2,700 yards. What? He is a receiver.