Jalen McMillan’s absence has left a significant hole in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ receiving corps just as the 2025 NFL season gets underway. The second-year wide receiver’s scary preseason injury has forced the Bucs to reshape their offensive plans, creating opportunities for others while potentially derailing what many expected to be a breakout campaign for the University of Washington product.
When Will Jalen McMillan Be Ready to Return to Action?
McMillan suffered a neck injury during the Buccaneers’ second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The incident occurred when McMillan leaped into the air to catch a pass but was upended by Steelers cornerback Daryl Porter Jr., who took out his legs midair. McMillan landed awkwardly on the back of his head and neck, creating a terrifying scene at Acrisure Stadium.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan will start 2025 season on IR with a neck injury and miss several weeks as a result of this hit Saturday by Steelers CB Daryl Porter. Was not dirty, just unfortunate. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/vejzOSv6TR
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 19, 2025
McMillan remained motionless on the field for several minutes before eventually walking off under his own power. He was evaluated for a concussion and potential neck injury in the locker room, then left the stadium wearing a neck brace. Despite the frightening nature of the injury, he was cleared to fly home with the team.
Further evaluations in Tampa revealed what head coach Todd Bowles described as a “severe neck sprain.” While serious, Bowles emphasized the injury was not considered career-threatening. The Buccaneers subsequently placed McMillan on injured reserve, with expectations that he could miss approximately half the 2024-25 season.
McMillan has not returned to practice since the injury occurred. Reports suggest his return could come after Tampa Bay’s Week 9 bye, potentially making his comeback on November 9 when the Buccaneers host the New England Patriots in Week 10.
How Does McMillan’s Absence Impact the Buccaneers’ Offense?
McMillan emerged as a valuable contributor during his rookie season in 2024, hauling in 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. After joining the University of Washington as a four-star recruit, he played four collegiate seasons before Tampa Bay selected him with the 92nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The timing of McMillan’s injury compounds the Buccaneers’ receiving corps challenges. Fellow wide receiver Chris Godwin has also missed time due to an ankle injury, forcing the team to rely heavily on their depth. This situation has created an unexpected opportunity for first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka to step into a prominent role.
Egbuka, the former Ohio State standout and college football national champion, has seized his chance impressively. After a standout training camp and preseason, he carried that momentum into the regular season opener. The rookie caught two touchdown passes, including the game-winner in Tampa Bay’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons, immediately establishing himself as a reliable target for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The Buccaneers still possess elite talent at the position with six-time Pro Bowl selection Mike Evans anchoring the receiving corps. Evans, now in his 12th season with Tampa Bay, provides the veteran leadership and proven production the team needs while younger players develop around him.
Buccaneers vs. Texans Week 2 Preview
The Buccaneers enter their Week 2 matchup against the Texans fresh off a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Quarterback Baker Mayfield opened the season on a high note, while rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka delivered a sensational debut.
Egbuka hauled in four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns, while Mayfield threw for 167 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Texans’ defense will be a big challenge for the Buccaneers’ offense, and how they perform remains to be seen.
Houston, meanwhile, comes into Week 2 after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams. C.J. Stroud’s struggles continued, as the Texans scored just nine points.
The third-year quarterback needs a big performance against the Buccaneers, or his standing among the league’s elite will come under greater scrutiny. Stroud is missing several key playmakers, but with his experience, he now has to find a way to make it work.
