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Bucs wide receiver Jalen McMillan to be sidelined for several weeks due to a severe neck strain

Tampa Bay's wide receiver Jalen McMillan is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a neck injury and has been declared inactive for the team's Week 1 match.

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Starwide Receiver Jalen McMillan of the Buccaneers sustained a severe neck sprain, forcing him to...
Starwide Receiver Jalen McMillan of the Buccaneers sustained a severe neck sprain, forcing him to be sidelined for several weeks.

Bucs wide receiver Jalen McMillan to be sidelined for several weeks due to a severe neck strain

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Jalen McMillan to Miss First Half of 2025 Season Due to Neck Injury

Jalen McMillan, a promising wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is set to miss at least the first half of the 2025 NFL season due to a severely sprained neck. The injury, sustained during a preseason game against the Steelers, will keep McMillan on the injured reserve (IR) list to start the season [1][3][5].

The injury occurred when McMillan collided with Steelers cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. during a game in Pittsburgh [2]. Despite landing awkwardly on his head and neck after making a catch, McMillan was able to walk off the field before being hospitalized. The injury is not considered career-threatening [1].

With McMillan and teammate Chris Godwin both sidelined initially, the Buccaneers will rely heavily on receivers Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka for the start of the season [1][2]. Egbuka, the first-round pick, has had a stellar training camp and preseason, including a touchdown reception.

The timeline for McMillan's return remains uncertain, but the team expects him back sometime after midseason [1]. Head coach Todd Bowles has emphasized the need for other players to step up due to the injuries of Chris Godwin and McMillan [4].

McMillan has posted on social media reassuring fans of his well-being despite the severe neck strain [2]. The wide receiver continues to rehab from a dislocated ankle that required surgery, suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season. In the final five games of his rookie season, McMillan had seven touchdown receptions.

Chris Godwin, another Buccaneers wide receiver, has not participated in practice and could be on a similar timeline for playing in his first game of 2025. There is a possibility that Godwin could be placed on the reserve/PUP list to start the season, which would require him to miss at least the first four games.

References:

[1] ESPN. (2025, August 15). Jalen McMillan out for Tampa Bay's Week 1 game with neck injury. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35174326

[2] NFL.com. (2025, August 15). Jalen McMillan posts update on neck injury: 'I'll be back'. NFL.com. https://www.nfl.com/news/jalen-mcmillan-posts-update-on-neck-injury-ill-be-back

[3] SI.com. (2025, August 15). Jalen McMillan to miss Tampa Bay's Week 1 game with neck injury. SI.com. https://www.si.com/nfl/2025/08/15/jalen-mcmillan-tampa-bay-buccaneers-neck-injury-week-1

[4] Tampa Bay Times. (2025, August 15). Todd Bowles: 'Other guys have to step up' for Buccaneers with Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan injured. Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/sports/buccaneers/2025/08/15/todd-bowles-other-guys-have-to-step-up-for-buccaneers-with-chris-godwin-jalen-mcmillan-injured/

[5] ProFootballTalk. (2025, August 15). Jalen McMillan to open season on injured reserve. ProFootballTalk. https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2025/08/15/jalen-mcmillan-to-open-season-on-injured-reserve/

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