No Update On Jalen McMillan
September 14th, 2025
Not expected back soon.
So now that there is tangible evidence that both Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs are making headway to return to the playing field at some point for the Bucs, there is another starter Bucs fans are wondering about.
As we all know, Bucs receiver Jalen McMillan took a nasty plunge in the worthless preseason game at Pittsburgh this summer when Steelers camp meat/practice squad cornerback Daryl Porter undercut McMillan when he went high to catch a pass from Teddy Bridgewater.
McMillan landed on his head and left the game. He was spotted walking to the locker room after the game in a neck brace. Bucs coach Todd Bowles later said McMillan suffered a severely strained neck.
McMillan was placed on injured reserve. At best, McMillan won’t return until the Bucs travel to Seattle for a Week 5 matchup, as anyone who is placed on injured reserve must sit out a minimum of four games.
Joe is confident McMillan would love to play in Seattle as that is where he became a star for Washington, which is based in and plays its home games.
When asked about McMillan on Saturday, Bowles had no information about McMillan’s progress.
“Timetable has not changed,” Bowles said. “We see him every day. He is doing fine but we’re just walking in the hallway, so I cannot tell you, physically, how he is doing, but he is doing fine.”
Bowles did not elaborate what that timetable may be.
Joe is going to assume Bowles’ use of the word “fine” means for normal people he’s fine, just not fine enough to play an NFL game.
The whispers Joe has heard about McMillan are that it may be wishful thinking to expect to see McMillan in a Bucs uniform before the bye week, which is the first weekend of November. (Notice Joe has not used any absolutes or firm dates here.)
Neck injuries, as one can imagine, are dicey and most football teams don’t want to monkey around with a neck injury. So it sounds to Joe the Bucs very much want to err on the side of caution with McMillan.
That’s probably the smart and responsible thing to do.
September 14th, 2025 at 12:03 am
No need to rush. Plenty of WR depth
September 14th, 2025 at 12:17 am
Hopefully Bowles learns from this and keeps his starters on the bench in the preseason when he should be having the third string and peactice squad candidate get reps.
September 14th, 2025 at 12:28 am
FMDave beat me to it. Especially when the WR group was so competitive for the last few spots.
September 14th, 2025 at 1:35 am
Some people will find a reason to blame Bowles for anything that goes wrong with the team. A game could have a weather delay people would be on here blaming Todd and calling for his job. He’s not the best but he’s FAR from the worst we’ve had here.
September 14th, 2025 at 1:48 am
Weather delays are indeed Bowles’ fault. So is inflation and the declining polar bear population.
September 14th, 2025 at 2:22 am
I agree, the Bucs are careful and going by the book, bet he takes the brace off by now. Try to find out more Joe–get the interns on it.
September 14th, 2025 at 2:36 am
He’s a #3 or #4 receiver, in his 2nd year with 2nd o.c.
He needed the reps. Can’t blame Bowles on that one. He hung on to the ball too, great high point catch. Bit of a duck pass… Feel for the guy.
September 14th, 2025 at 3:37 am
He didn’t need the reps. Why would he need the reps? Did you watch Buccaneer football at the end of the season? It’s not that. It’s just a jack wagon practice squad cb that was trying to show out. Nothing more nothing less.
September 14th, 2025 at 4:23 am
Lol no point asking if you’re drunk.
September 14th, 2025 at 4:38 am
Let’s cool it with the “starters should sit out the entire preseason” rant. Why risk a Week 1 loss due to oxidation when each game has equal value in a mere 17 game schedule? Why not play well early and rest your nicked up starters at the end of the season after an early division clinch and a home field advantage?
Which team has made the most Super Bowls the past five ears? (Hint: they play their starters in the preseason).
There’s also a problem with prognosticating McMillan’s fate had he not suffered the neck injury. How can any of us know the future? Had he sat out the preseason, how do we know he wouldn’t been injured in Week 1 and been out for the season? Unlikely? Yes, but far from impossible.
September 14th, 2025 at 4:49 am
Agree to not mess around with a neck injury. Let Jalen rest and rehab. Get it right first. Go Bucs!
September 14th, 2025 at 5:13 am
Take the rest of the season if needed. Necks for wr, just like feet knees and ankles are serious too.