Jalen McMillan Injury News & Updates

Coach Todd Bowles said Monday that McMillan (neck) could practice this week, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

McMillan suffered multiple neck fractures and ligament damage in an Aug. 16 preseason game. The injuries landed McMillan on injured reserve, where he's spent the first 13 weeks of the season. Bowles added that McMillan had to adjust to wearing a helmet again to see how strong his neck is following the injuries. While McMillan could begin practicing this week, Bowles said both McMillan and Mike Evans (collarbone) "have a little ways to go before playing," according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Bucs haven't had their entire wideout room healthy yet this season.

McMillan (neck) received clearance from a spine specialist to resume on-field work and is expected to return to practice in Week 14, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

McMillan has resided on injured reserve all season after he sustained three neck fractures as well as ligament damage during an Aug. 16 preseason game against the Steelers, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The ligament damage in particular took the longest time to heal and required McMillan to wear a neck brace for an extended period, but the second-year wideout has finally turned a corner in his recovery and could provide some aid to the Tampa Bay passing attack down the stretch. McMillan excelled in a complementary role as a rookie, appearing in 13 games while finishing with 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns on 58 targets.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Nov. 5 that McMillan's timeline for a return from injured reserve hasn't changed after it was recently revealed that the receiver is recovering from multiple broken bones in his neck in addition to a severe sprain, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Though the Buccaneers never put on an official timeline for McMillan to make his season debut after he was placed on IR with a designation to return back on Aug. 26, Auman relays that sources within the organization have been expecting the 23-year-old to remain sidelined until December. Now nearly halfway into November, McMIllan has yet to resume practicing, which could make it difficult for him to gain clearance to play in the Buccaneers' first game of December in Week 14 versus the Saints. With rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka carving out a significant role in the passing attack and with Chris Godwin (fibula) tracking toward beating him back from injury, McMillan may be in line for limited snaps if/when he eventually returns.

McMillan (neck) is still in a neck brace, head coach Todd Bowles said Friday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Bowles provided some positivity by stating that McMillan's getting better, and the team hopes that McMillan will be available to play at some point this season, though the coach doesn't know when McMillan will be available to practice. McMillan was placed on injured reserve in August with a designation to return after landing on his neck and head after a catch in the preseason. The Buccaneers have gotten terrific production out of rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka at wide receiver but are expected to be without both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) in Week 6 against the 49ers.

The Buccaneers placed McMillan (neck) on injured reserve with a designation to return Tuesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

McMillan left Tampa Bay's exhibition in Pittsburgh on Aug. 16 with what eventually was termed a strained neck. Within days, Coach Todd Bowles said that McMillan was going to miss time, and following this transaction, the wide receiver will sit out at least the first four games of the season. McMillan's first chance to return to action will occur Sunday, Oct. 5 at Seattle, but in the meantime the Bucs will roll with Mike Evans, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and potentially Chris Godwin (ankle), who passed as physical and was activated from the active/PUP list Tuesday, at the position.

The Buccaneers are expected to place McMillan (neck) on injured reserve after finalizing the 53-man roster, which will force him to miss at least the first four weeks of the regular season, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles said that McMillan is dealing with a "severely sprained neck" suffered during Saturday's preseason win over Pittsburgh, and Stroud reports that his recovery timetable could stretch beyond the team's Week 9 bye. With Chris Godwin (ankle), who remains on the active/PUP list, still up-in-the-air for Week 1 and a candidate to miss early-season time, six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans and rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka appear primed to open the regular season as quarterback Baker Mayfield's unquestioned top two receivers, while TE Cade Otton stands to also benefit from an uptick in target volume.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that McMillan has a severe neck strain and "is going to miss some time," and that the recovery process will impact his start to the regular season, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bowles added that McMillan's injury isn't expected to be career-threatening, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, welcome news after he was forced out of Saturday's preseason win over Pittsburgh after being undercut by a defender while making a leaping 18-yard catch, then landing hard on his neck and head. It remains to be seen whether the Buccaneers will place McMillan on IR after the 53-man roster is finalized, in which case he'd be forced to sit out at least the first four weeks of the regular season. With Chris Godwin (ankle) still on the active/PUP list and uncertain for Week 1, No. 1 wideout Mike Evans, rookie first-round receiver Emeka Egbuka and TE Cade Otton appear in line for expanded target shares to kick off the 2025 campaign.

McMillan (back/neck) is not participating in practice Tuesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McMillan is present at Tuesday's practice, but he's watching from the sidelines while still wearing a neck brace, Mark Skol of Fox 13 News reports. The second-year pro is working his way back from an injury suffered due to a rough landing during last Saturday's preseason win over Pittsburgh, when he was undercut by a Steelers defended while making a leaping catch. He's likely to sit out Tampa Bay's preseason finale against Buffalo on Saturday, Aug. 23.

McMillan (back) was spotted wearing a neck brace after Saturday's 17-14 preseason win at Pittsburgh, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

At the end of his 18-yard leaping catch in the first quarter, McMillan was undercut by a Steelers defender and landed hard on his neck and head region. He was able to walk to the sideline under his own power before being ruled out due to a back issue, while also being evaluated for a concussion. It's unclear if McMillan has been diagnosed with a head injury, but it seems likely that he'll miss some time with just one preseason game to go (Saturday, Aug. 23 against the Bills) ahead of Week 1.

McMillan won't return to Saturday's preseason game at Pittsburgh due to a back injury and also is under evaluation for a concussion, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan was undercut while making a leaping grab in the first quarter and landing hard on his neck and helmet. While he remained on the turf for a spell, he was able to walk off the field under his own power before being ruled out. If a concussion is confirmed, McMillan will be subject to the protocol for head injuries in order to practice and eventually see game action again.

McMillan recorded one catch on one target for 21 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason win over the Titans.

McMillan started the game with Mike Evans (rest) and Chris Godwin (ankle) both sidelined. He made an instant impact on the game, catching a long 25-yard pass from Kyle Trask down the middle of the field on the first play of the game. McMillan has increased competition for targets and playing time from rookie Emeka Egbuka, but he should still have a role in the regular season -- particularly if Godwin isn't ready for Week 1.

McMillan is part of a crowded WR room that just added Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall draft pick.

One might assume no concerns about job security for a 2024 third-round pick who scored seven TDs over the final five weeks of his initial NFL regular season. Unfortunately for McMillan, there's a chance Egubka proves to be the superior player, and not much chance of Mike Evans or Chris Godwin (ankle) getting benched. Of course, it's also possible the concerns prove unfounded and McMillan cements himself as a quality starter, with Egubka either brought along slowly or getting most of his snaps when Evans/Godwin miss time. There does seem to be a lot of overlap between McMillan, Godwin and Egubka in terms of relative strengths and weaknesses, whereas Evans is a different animal altogether, largely running downfield routes on the perimeter.

McMillan brought in two of four targets for 41 yards in the Buccaneers' 23-20 wild-card loss to the Commanders on Sunday night.

McMillan finished a distant second to Mike Evans in receiving yards and was also the runner-up to his teammate in targets on a night when Baker Mayfield threw the ball only 18 times. The rookie wideout's serviceable first career postseason contest also included a team-high 26-yard reception on the first play of a fourth-quarter drive that culminated in a game-tying field goal by Chase McLaughlin. McMillan will head into his first NFL offseason with plenty of momentum after having posted a 37-461-8 line on 58 targets and adding 43 rushing yards on four attempts across 13 games.

McMillan secured five of six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown and rushed once for six yards in the Buccaneers' 27-19 win over the Saints on Sunday.

McMillan finished second in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon while also recording a touchdown for the fifth straight contest. McMillan's yardage total was also the second highest of his young career, and about the only blemish on the final regular-season game of his productive rookie campaign was an unsportsmanlike penalty that McMillan earned with a taunting gesture following a key 33-yard reception early in the fourth quarter, but he figures to remain a key component of the Buccaneers' air attack as Tampa Bay heads into the postseason as the NFC's No. 3 seed.

McMillan brought in all five targets for 51 yards and two touchdowns and rushed once for nine yards in the Buccaneers' 48-14 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

The rookie wideout continued his impressive late-season run with his fifth and sixth touchdown receptions over the last four contests. McMillan hit pay dirt from 10 and 16 yards out in the second and fourth quarters, respectively, and he finished second in catches and targets to Mike Evans on the afternoon. McMillan has five catches in three consecutive contests heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Saints.

McMillan caught five of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Cowboys.

McMillan scored an 11-yard touchdown in the final minute of the first half. That score extended his touchdown streak to three games, during which McMillan has produced 191 yards and four touchdowns. The rookie made a bid at what would have been a long touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, but cornerback Jourdan Lewis wrestled the ball away as they were going to the ground for an interception. McMillan has stepped up as the top alternative to Mike Evans in Tampa Bay's receiving corps ahead of a Week 17 home game against the Panthers.

McMillan had five receptions (on six targets) for 75 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 40-17 blowout win over the Chargers.

McMillan followed up his breakout performance against Las Vegas in Week 14 with another gem against Los Angeles on Sunday. The speedy rookie is coming into his own as the No. 2 option behind star wideout Mike Evans (9-159-2). McMillan has racked up 134 yards and three touchdowns over his last two contests. The third-round selection has leapfrogged his way from fantasy afterthought to a potential playoff hero for managers across all formats. McMillan can really put his name on the map under the bright lights in Dallas when the Buccaneers visit the Cowboys for Sunday Night Football in Week 16.

McMillan brought in four of seven targets for 59 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers' 28-13 win over the Raiders on Sunday.

McMillan hadn't found the end zone since recording a 32-yard touchdown on his first career catch back in Week 1 against the Commanders, but he made up for some lost time Sunday with 15- and 29-yard grabs in the first and fourth quarters, respectively. The second-year wideout's catch total also tied his career high, while his yardage tally was a new high-water mark for the rookie third-round pick. McMillan's surge was a welcome sight considering how little production the Buccaneers have gotten from the No. 2 receiver position since Chris Godwin was lost for the season with an ankle dislocation, and he'll look to put together a successful encore in a Week 15 road matchup against the Chargers.

McMillan secured two of three targets for 25 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-23 overtime win over the Panthers on Sunday.

McMillan posted his third multi-catch tally in the last four games but still had minimal impact with his robust 76 percent snap share (61 snaps). The rookie has yet to take appreciable advantage of the opportunity afforded by Chris Godwin's season-ending ankle injury, and he'll have a tough matchup in a Week 14 home date with a Raiders defense that's been adept at keeping pass plays in front of it this season while allowing the sixth-fewest yards per completion in the NFL (9.5).

McMillan brought in one of two targets for 11 yards in the Buccaneers' 30-7 win over the Giants on Sunday.

After garnering active status in Week 10 against the 49ers but not playing any snaps, McMillan jumped into the No. 2 receiver role following the bye and led all Buccaneers wideouts with 41 snaps. However, as his final line implies, McMillan drew very little of Baker Mayfield's attention and drew only one additional target than reserves such as Trey Palmer, Ryan Miller and Rakim Jarrett. However, the rookie is likely to continue in a starting role in a Week 13 road matchup against the Panthers.

McMillan (hamstring) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

McMillan was listed as active for Tampa Bay's final game before a Week 11 bye, but he was only available in the event of an injury to another player and didn't end up playing any snaps. He should be ready for his normal role two weeks later, facing the Giants on Sunday with fellow wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) expected back in the lineup. McMillan didn't do much even when both Evans and Chris Godwin (IR - ankle) were absent, but the rookie still figures to have a role down the stretch, likely operating as the Bucs' second or third WR.

McMillan, who missed Week 9 with a hamstring injury, was active in Sunday's loss to the 49ers but didn't log any snaps, Greg Auman of FOX Sports reports.

The rookie wideout had logged just a single practice, and limited at that, during Week 10 prep, but the fact the Buccaneers had invested a game-day roster spot in him would have seemed to portend a regular role. Nevertheless, McMillan never saw the field against San Francisco, and in addition to Auman's confirmation of such, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times appeared to imply the speedster simply wasn't healthy enough to run routes. McMillan will now have a Week 11 bye to potentially get back to full health before a Week 12 road matchup against the Giants, a game that could also mark the return of Mike Evans (hamstring).

McMillan (hamstring) is listed as active Sunday against the 49ers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan thus is back in action after he sat out last Monday's overtime loss in Kansas City due to a hamstring that he tweaked three days before then. He logged just one limited session during Week 10 prep, but it was enough to. clear him for Sunday's game. The Buccaneers don't have Mike Evans (hamstring) or Chris Godwin (IR, ankle) available, so McMillan is among the wide receivers active along with Trey Palmer, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, Rakim Jarrett and Marquez Callaway.

McMillan (hamstring) is expected to play Sunday against the 49ers, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

McMillan managed just one limited session during Week 10 prep due to the hamstring injury that kept him out last Monday at Kansas City, but he isn't in line to be included on the Buccaneers' inactive list this time around. With Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season and Mike Evans (hamstring) still sidelined, McMillan should join Trey Palmer, Sterling Shepard and Ryan Miller as the top wide receivers available to QB Baker Mayfield.

McMillan (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

McMillan was added to the injury report last Friday and ended up missing Monday's loss to the Chiefs, but he'll be given a shot to play this week after returning to a limited practice Friday. Fellow Bucs WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring/hip) has been cleared to play, joining Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett and Ryan Miller as the team's healthy options at the position ahead of a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday.

McMillan (hamstring) didn't take part in Thursday's practice.

McMillan hasn't logged any on-field work since tweaking his hamstring last Friday, missing Monday's overtime loss at Kansas City as a result. He'll have one more chance to prove his health this week before the Buccaneers potentially make a ruling on his status ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers.

McMillan (hamstring) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

A Week 8 matchup with the Falcons marked Mike Evans' first of a multi-game absence due to a right hamstring strain, and McMillan responded with four catches (on seven targets) for 35 yards. McMillan then tweaked his hamstring at practice last Friday and wasn't able to suit up Monday at Kansas City. With an absence to kick off Week 10 prep, he may not be in a great position to return to action Sunday against the 49ers.

McMillan (hamstring) is inactive for Monday's game at Kansas City, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan showed up on Tampa Bay's practice report Saturday as limited due to a hamstring injury, leaving him questionable for Week 9 action. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported shortly before inactives dropped Monday that McMillan tweaked his hamstring at Friday's session and was slated to sit out, which has come to pass. The Buccaneers thus will be down their top three wide receivers -- also, Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (IR, ankle) -- meaning Trey Palmer, Sterling Shepard (hamstring), Ryan Miller, Rakim Jarrett and Marquez Callaway will compose the team's receiving corps.

McMillan (hamstring) isn't expected to be active Monday at Kansas City, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Per Pelissero, McMillan tweaked his hamstring during Friday's practice, which was the reason for a limited showing Saturday and subsequent listing of questionable for Week 9 action. With McMillan in line to sit out Monday, the Buccaneers' receiving corps will be even further depleted with Mike Evans (hamstring) sidelined and Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season. Trey Palmer, Sterling Shepard (hamstring), Ryan Miller, Rakim Jarrett and Marquez Callaway will be the wide receivers available for Tampa Bay.

McMillan (hamstring) was limited at Saturday's practice and subsequently was listed as questionable for Monday's contest at Kansas City, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan was a late addition to the Buccaneers' Week 9 injury report, indicating that he may have sustained the hamstring issue during Saturday's session. His status won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before Monday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff -- along with fellow WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) -- but with both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (IR, knee) sidelined, McMillan would have a chance for an elevated snap share, assuming he's active.

McMillan secured four of seven targets for 35 yards and rushed once for 17 yards in the Buccaneers' 31-26 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

McMillan filled a de facto No. 1 receiver role in the absence of both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (IR-knee), but he had trouble establishing early chemistry with Baker Mayfield. McMillan was able to finish fourth in receptions for the Buccaneers and tied for second in targets, and there's a chance he'll be more acclimated to his enhanced level of responsibility when Tampa Bay faces the Chiefs in a Week 9 Monday night battle on Nov. 4.

McMillan is expected to see a significantly expanded role beginning with Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Falcons due to the absences of Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle), Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports. "I had a really good conversation with Jalen and just said, 'Hey, this is the week,'" offensive coordinator Liam Coen said. "We talked about it, 'This is the week that you have to really kind of emerge and I trust you.'"

The rookie will be thrust into the No. 1 receiver role in what has been a potent Buccaneers passing attack to date, and even after Evans eventually returns from what is expected to be a multi-game absence, McMillan is likely to serve as no worse than the No. 2 wideout thanks to Godwin's season-ending ankle dislocation. McMillan has already dealt with a hamstring injury of his own that led to a two-game absence earlier in the season, but he should now have ample opportunity to build on the 6-74-1 line he's forged on 15 targets through his first five NFL games.

McMillan secured three of eight targets for 15 yards and rushed once for 11 yards in the Buccaneers' 41-31 loss to the Ravens on Monday night.

McMillan surprisingly finished third in targets, although the first-half exit of Mike Evans (hamstring) certainly played a part. The rookie was largely inefficient with those opportunities, yet he could be primed to continue drawing plenty of Baker Mayfield's attention moving forward. Evans could potentially miss a Week 8 home matchup against the Falcons, at minimum, while Scott Smith of the team's official site reports the injury that forced Chris Godwin to be carted off late in Monday night's game appears to be a dislocated ankle that would very likely result in a multi-game absence.

McMillan failed to secure his only target and returned three punts for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 51-27 loss to the Saints on Sunday.

In his return from a two-game absence, McMillan played on only 18 percent of the offense's snaps while seeing veteran Sterling Shepard (75 percent snap share) take over the No. 3 role. The significant disparity in opportunity for the two players was likely at least partly the byproduct of McMillan being eased back into action, meaning the rookie could see a notable uptick in playing time in a Week 7 Monday night showdown against the Ravens on Oct. 21.

McMillan (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game at New Orleans, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan was absent Weeks 4 and 5 due to a hamstring injury that he sustained in practice prior to the first of those contests. The rookie third-round pick put himself in a position to return to action this time around with a full session Friday, and he'll rejoin Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in three-wide sets Week 6. McMillan thus will be aiming to build upon the 3-59-1 line on six targets that he accrued in the first three outings of his career.

McMillan (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at New Orleans, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

An upgrade to full practice participation Friday suggests McMillan is more likely than not to suit up for the first time since Week 3. He won the No. 3 receiver job this summer and made a couple nice plays over the first two weeks, but it hasn't been a high-volume role, regardless of whether McMillan, Trey Palmer (concussion) or Sterling Shepard is the one filling it.

McMillan (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan has a pair of capped sessions under his belt so far this week as he closes in on a return to action for the first time since Week 3. The hamstring injury that he sustained during a Sept. 27 practice has held him out of the Buccaneers' last two games, but he may have to be a full participant Friday in order to go into the weekend without a designation for Sunday's contest in New Orleans.

McMillan (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Since injuring his hamstring Friday, Sept. 27, McMillan missed the Buccaneers' last two contests as a result, but his return to drills for the first time since then indicates he's made some progress in his recovery. Meanwhile, fellow WR Trey Palmer (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday, and Kameron Johnson (ankle) had a cap on his reps. How each of the trio fares the rest of the week should determine the pecking order at the position behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Week 6 at New Orleans, but if he's available McMillan likely will retain the No. 3 spot.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that McMillan (hamstring) is ruled out for Thursday's divisional matchup against the Falcons, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan and Trey Palmer (concussion) are both out for Thursday Night Football, while Kameron Johnson (hamstring) has been listed as 'limited' in back-to-back walkthrough sessions. That seems to position veteran wideout Sterling Shepard, who was signed to the active roster Tuesday, for a key depth role behind Mike Evans (knee/calf) and Chris Godwin. McMillan and Palmer will both work to get back on the field Week 6 versus New Orleans.

McMillan (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McMillan missed Sunday's win over the Eagles and isn't look good for Thursday at Atlanta. Trey Palmer replaced him as the No. 3 receiver and caught a TD early on against the Eagles, but Palmer then left the game with a concussion, thrusting Sterling Shepard into a considerable role for the first time in years.

McMillan (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan was inactive for Sunday's win over the Eagles, so it's no surprise to see his 'DNP' listing Monday. The 2024 third-rounder now has two more chances to see his listed participation level increase ahead of Week 5 action, but for now his status for Thursday's game against the Falcons is cloudy.

McMillan (hamstring) is out for Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Eagles, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The rookie No. 3 receiver was listed as doubtful after practicing on a limited basis Friday, and his inactive status is now official. McMillan's absence Sunday will vault second-year pro Trey Palmer back into the third wideout role he enjoyed success in as a rookie, when he posted a 39-385-3 line on 68 targets across 17 regular-season games before adding four more receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown in the postseason. McMillan will now look to beat the short turnaround for a Week 5 Thursday night road clash against the Falcons and keep his absence limited to one contest.

McMillan (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan was injured in Friday's practice, which is never a good sign for a player's availability Sunday. If McMillan can't play -- which seems likely -- look for Trey Palmer to reclaim WR3 duties in Tampa Bay against Philadelphia. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should continue to command the lion's share of targets from Baker Mayfield.

McMillan injured his hamstring during Friday's practice, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Coach Todd Bowles referred to the injury as a "tweak", but McMIllan nonetheless figures to be added to the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles. Trey Palmer likely will fill in as the No. 3 WR if McMillan is inactive or limited.

McMillan brought in his only target for six yards in the Buccaneers' 26-7 loss to the Broncos on Sunday.

McMillan still saw a robust 77 percent snap share (44 snaps) as the clear No. 3 receiver Sunday, but he posted a new low in receiving yards after recording 32 and 21 on a catch apiece during his first two NFL games. However, it bears noting the entire afternoon was an exercise in underachievement as far as the Buccaneers' offense was concerned, with Baker Mayfield throwing for only 163 yards at 4.9 yards per attempt. McMillan's first opportunity to atone for the underwhelming performance comes in a Week 4 home showdown against the Eagles.

McMillan brought in one of two targets for 21 yards in the Buccaneers' 20-16 win over the Lions on Sunday.

The rookie once again managed a 20+ yard gain on his one reception after recording a 32-yard touchdown grab in Week 1. McMillan logged 37 snaps from scrimmage overall, significantly outpacing Trey Palmer, who was in on just nine plays on offense. McMillan still has plenty of chemistry to develop with Baker Mayfield, but he already seems to have a firm grasp on the No. 3 receiver role and has no shortage of field-stretching ability.

McMillan brought in his only reception on three targets for a 32-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 37-20 win over the Commanders on Sunday.

The rookie paid immediate dividends in his first game as a pro, and his day would have been even bigger had he and Baker Mayfield connected on a deep shot down the right side early in the first quarter. However, the duo made up for the misfire on the first play of the fourth quarter for his one and only reception of the lopsided win. McMillan did play a robust 50 snaps from scrimmage while last season's No. 3 wideout, Trey Palmer was limited to 20, seemingly establishing the former as the clear top option behind starters Mike Evans and Chris Godwin heading into a Week 2 road showdown against the Lions.

McMillan caught his only target for 28 yards in Friday's 24-14 preseason win over the Dolphins.

McMillan played the opening drive alongside starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, and the rookie third-round pick's 28-yard grab set up Rachaad White's four-yard rushing touchdown on the next play. The Buccaneers ran three-receiver sets throughout the first-team offense's time in the game, which suggests McMillan is positioned to see prominent playing time out of the gate alongside veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. With Tampa Bay's preseason in the books, McMillan's next game will be the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Commanders.

McMillan is expected to handle third receiver duties in Tampa Bay this season, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

"In the Bucs' three receiver sets, McMillan will line up opposite Mike Evans with Chris Godwin in the slot," Laine wrote. Trey Palmer finished a distant third in targets amongst wide receivers on the Bucs with 68 of them last season, but Tampa Bay used a third-round pick on McMillan back in April, bumping Palmer down the depth chart to WR4. Evans paced the team with 136 looks, and Godwin was a close second at 130. McMillan could have a couple big games in the box score, but it would be a complete surprise if he sees anywhere near the targets as Evans or Godwin.

McMillan (general soreness) brought in one of three targets for six yards in the Buccaneers' 20-7 preseason loss to the Jaguars on Saturday night.

The rookie was able to suit up after dealing with some soreness following his first taste of NFL action last Saturday. McMillan was quiet Saturday night but did see a deep target from Kyle Trask on the opening possession, and he continues to acquit himself competently despite the fact he's yet to have an opportunity to see in-game action with Baker Mayfield under center. McMillan will have one more opportunity to make a case for the No. 3 receiver job in the preseason finale at home against the Dolphins on Friday night.

McMillan was dealing with what head coach Todd Bowles labeled "general soreness" Monday, leading to the rookie wearing a red non-contact jersey in practice, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

McMillan continued to make a strong case for the No. 3 receiver job in Saturday's preseason win over the Bengals, recording two receptions for 23 yards. However, it appears McMillan's first taste of professional on-field action also left him a bit worse for wear in the short term, and it remains to be seen if if the rookie will be able to participate in the first day of joint practices with the Jaguars on Wednesday.

McMillan secured both targets for 23 yards in the Buccaneers' 17-14 preseason win over the Bengals on Saturday night.

McMillan was able to carry over some of the momentum from his strong training camp performances, recording both his grabs just one play apart during the Buccaneers' second possession. The rookie has been pushing Trey Palmer for the No. 3 receiver job with his work in camp, and the battle could go straight through Tampa Bay's three preseason contests.

Coach Todd Bowles suggested Thursday that McMillan and other rookies will play in Saturday's preseason game against the Bengals, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan has spent a lot of time with the first-team offense at training camp and reportedly caught a lot of passes from Baker Mayfield, seemingly putting the third-round pick on track to replace holdover Trey Palmer as the Bucs' No. 3 receiver. Most of the Tampa starters will be held out Saturday evening, but McMillan looks to be an exception in light of Bowles saying that "all the rookies" will play. McMillan figures to get playing time early in the game while Kyle Trask is under center.

McMillan has been thriving throughout training camp and has drawn attention for his work ethic and attention to detail, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

The rookie third-round pick has drawn praise from head coach Todd Bowles and quarterback Baker Mayfield, with the former singling out McMillan's intelligence and hunger for improvement while adding that "the receiving group loves him." The Washington product, who missed four games for the Huskies in 2023 due to a knee injury but was a 1,000-yard receiver the season prior, is capable of stretching the field and gaining separation but has also proven adept on choice and option routes. For his part, Mayfield has stated he's already learning that McMillan is also proficient in contested-catch situations, noting "he's going to make plays when the ball is in the air, and that's one thing I'm continuing to learn -- really, just give him a chance."

McMillan excelled at Thursday's practice, catching at least two touchdown passes from starting QB Baker Mayfield, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Greg Auman of Fox Sports and Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site confirm that McMillan was one of Tampa Bay's standouts during the second day of training camp practices. The rookie third-round pick is expected to compete with incumbent No. 3 receiver Trey Palmer, a 2023 sixth-round selection who had only 385 yards on 68 targets last year (5.7 yards per target). Palmer may theoretically be a better fit now that Chris Godwin is moving back to the slot as his primary position -- which pushes the third WR out to the perimeter more -- but McMillan is emerging as an early favorite for the No. 3 job.