Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan suffered a scary neck injury after a big catch during the first quarter of the Week 2 preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here is the latest update on the sophomore WR and his current status.
What Exactly Happened to Jalen McMillan?
After securing a deep pass from backup QB Teddy Bridgewater, McMillan was hit mid-air and landed awkwardly on his head, flipping forward on the turf. He immediately appeared to be in significant pain following the scary fall.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan enters the locker room after the game wearing a neck brace. pic.twitter.com/rv6FRrGgIY
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 17, 2025
Though McMillan initially managed to walk off under his own power, he was later carted to the locker room. On the broadcast, he was shown giving a thumbs-up, providing some reassurance in the moment.
The Buccaneers later announced McMillan had sustained a back injury and was also being evaluated for a concussion. He did not return to action and was later seen leaving the stadium in a neck brace.
McMillan is coming off a promising rookie campaign, where he recorded 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. He especially shone down the stretch after Chris Godwin went down with a season-ending ankle injury, scoring seven touchdowns over his final five games.
Jalen McMillan’s 2025 Fantasy Outlook
McMillan flashed upside as a rookie, particularly late in the season, making him a dynasty name to monitor. However, even at full health, his 2025 redraft outlook was already capped due to heavy competition for targets in Tampa Bay’s offense.
This setback potentially paves the way for rookie Emeka Egbuka to step into a sizable role right away. A 20% target share is now firmly in play for Egbuka, who has the skill set to make an immediate impact. While Mike Evans remains the focal point for high-value looks — and will inevitably limit some of Egbuka’s ceiling — the rookie’s raw talent could shine through quickly.
With Chris Godwin’s status still uncertain, Tampa’s offense has plenty of question marks. Bucky Irving looks every bit the rising star, while Evans continues to defy age with his consistent production. As injuries mount, Baker Mayfield’s weekly floor may dip slightly, but his ceiling remains strong enough to keep him in the QB1 mix.
If McMillan’s injury lingers, Egbuka’s path to an every-down role becomes even clearer, making him a strong value at his current ADP. As for McMillan, he was always a risky bet in redraft leagues, but his dynasty stock still holds long-term intrigue depending on his recovery.
