The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the NFL. And that’s a good thing, because it’s starting to thin out.
Chris Godwin is already expected to start the season on the PUP list while continuing to recover from a gruesome ankle injury last year against the Ravens.
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On Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, second-year wideout Jalen McMillan jumped to reach for a pass and was undercut. He fell awkwardly backward and landed on the back of his neck. He left the game and did not return.
On Tuesday, coach Todd Bowles indicated that McMillan suffered a “severely sprained neck” and that he will most likely miss the beginning of the season.
After the game on Saturday, McMillan posted “God is amazing. Don’t worry y’all im str8” on his Instagram. He was seen at Buccaneers practice on Tuesday still wearing his neck brace.
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Bowles also indicated that the injury “shouldn’t be” career-threatening.
The Bucs selected Ohio State star Emeka Egbuka in the first round of this year’s draft, adding to an already deep wideout room that boasts Mike Evans, Godwin, McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett, Jacob Harris and Kameron Johnson.
Johnson, Harris and Palmer are also dealing with injuries.
When the Bucs take the field on Sept. 7 in Atlanta, it’ll most likely be Evans, Egbuka and Shepard on the field as starters.
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Godwin should be back after the first month of the season while McMillan’s return time is still unknown.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.