Buccaneers Place WR on Injured Reserve Following Injury vs Pittsburgh

The Buccaneers’ once-formidable wide receiver corps has rapidly transformed into a potential minefield of injuries. This leaves the team looking for reliable starters to kick off the season.

Via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, 

“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.”

Via Sports Illustrated’s River Wells,

“Todd Bowles says that Jalen McMillan has a “severe strain” in his neck and that he’s going to “miss some times.” He confirms this will go into the regular season.”

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles announced that second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan has suffered a severe neck strain. The injury happened during the team’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Saturday.

Then reports started to come from multiple sources, including the Tampa Bay Times.

Via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times,

“Jalen McMillan will be placed on injured reserve after suffering a “severely sprained neck,” against the Steelers and could be out past the Bucs Week 9 bye week, the Times has learned. Team still feels fortunate the injury wasn’t worse and have depth at WR starting with Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka. Chris Godwin will eventually return from a dislocated ankle. But tough news for McMillan.”

McMillan’s absence will be deeply felt, given his impressive finish to last season, where he scored seven touchdowns in his final five games, showcasing his potential as a key contributor to Tampa Bay’s offense. With Godwin’s recovery timeline uncertain, the Buccaneers will need to rely on their depth chart, including players like Emeka Egbuka, Mike Evans, and other wide receivers competing for roster spots.

The Pewter Pirates now look to start the season with Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer at the top of the depth chart.

Look for a wide receiver signing soon for the Buccaneers.