With Jalen McMillan out, Emeka Egbuka has a chance for an early breakout to his rookie season.
Todd Bowles gives concerning Jalen McMillan injury update, opening door for Buccaneers first-round rookie originally appeared on The Sporting News
It was a scary sight for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night when wide receiver Jalen McMillan went down hard against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After going up for a pass, McMillan landed awkwardly on his head and neck following a huge hit from Steelers cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. He was forced to leave the game and was later seen in a neck brace while being escorted to the locker room.
At the time, reports suggested further tests were needed, though the early outlook was encouraging. McMillan even reassured fans later that night, posting to his Instagram story: “God is amazing. Don’t worry y’all im str8.”
Daryl Porter hit on McMillian #steelers#NFLpic.twitter.com/4Zy1Xjjsd4
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 16, 2025
On Wednesday, Buccaneers beat writer Rick Stroud reported the official diagnosis.
“Bucs coach Todd Bowles says Jalen McMillan has a severely sprained neck and will miss some time. He will not be ready for the season opener,” Stroud shared.
That rules McMillan out for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. To make matters worse for Tampa Bay, Chris Godwin remains on the PUP list, Bowles also confirmed.
The silver lining is that rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka will now have a chance to step into a major role alongside veteran star Mike Evans. Egbuka has already turned heads throughout training camp and preseason.
As SI’s Colin Haalboom put it, “Egbuka has been the talk of the offseason for the Buccaneers with his polished route running, exceptional hands and relentless work ethic, earning unanimous praise from teammates and coaches alike. Each of those attributes were on full display when he nabbed his first TD catch as an NFL player vs. the Steelers on Saturday night.”
McMillan, however, had been expected to take on a bigger role this season after posting 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. His sophomore campaign will now have to wait a little longer.
Category: Football