The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without one of their key players in Week 1.
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan will miss the season opener, and perhaps will be out even longer.
“Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said WR Jalen McMillan suffered a severely strained neck and will miss time, including the start of the season. McMillan is currently in a neck brace,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team wrote on X.
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles said WR Jalen McMillan suffered a severely strained neck and will miss time, including the start of the season.
McMillan is currently in a neck brace. pic.twitter.com/rpc2qdimcg
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 19, 2025
McMillan fell awkwardly on the back of his head trying to make a catch in the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He was hit by Steelers defensive back Daryl Porter Jr., and his body seemed to fold midway through his leap.
Fortunately, McMillan was able to walk off the field after being evaluated by the medical staff, but he had to be be taken to the hospital for testing.
Bowles said the extent and nature of the injury aren’t career-threatening.
Even so, he didn’t want to give any timeline for a return, and they will most likely take it slowly with the second-year player.
McMillan broke out with a league-leading seven touchdown receptions in the final five weeks of the 2024 regular season.
The Bucs are also without Chris Godwin as he continues to work his way back from ankle surgery and hasn’t been activated from the PUP list.
In the meantime, quarterback Baker Mayfield will turn to veteran Mike Evans and promising rookie Emeka Egbuka in the passing game.
NEXT: Todd Bowles Reveals His Honest Thoughts About Shilo Sanders
