Bucs’ Latest Injury Update On Jalen McMillan, Mike Evans

Bowles also indicated that Mike Evans, who underwent surgery to repair a fractured clavicle back in a Week 7 loss at Detroit, could also be returning to practice this week. Evans was placed on injured reserve in Week 8 and is eligible to return to action as he has missed at least four games.

“That’s a possibility as well,” Bowles said.

The Bucs’ lineup was bolstered by the return to action of several starters on Sunday, with running back Bucky Irving, left guard Ben Bredeson, cornerback Jamel Dean, outside linebacker Haason Reddick back in the lineup, as well as quarterback Baker Mayfield suiting up after missing the second half of last week’s loss to the Rams with an injured non-throwing shoulder.

The return of Evans and McMillan in December could give the offense a real shot in the arm as the Bucs make their playoff push with five games left in the 2025 regular season.

With even more good news, Bowles said that there were no new injuries to report following Tampa Bay’s 20-17 victory over Arizona on Sunday.

“Those guys came out pretty good,” Bowles said. “A few bruises, but nothing serious.”

While Jalen McMillan Is Closer To Returning, Is It In The Bucs’ Best Interest?

There is no doubt Jalen McMillan would offer a notable boost to the Bucs’ offense the rest of the way. For a wide receiver room missing Mike Evans and with Chris Godwin Jr. having a difficult season dealing with injuries, McMillan offers a lot of upside and another weapon in a passing game that has struggled to get going and stay consistent over the past month.

Ian Rapoport shared this in his story after McMillan received medical clearance.

“Sources say McMillan, the second-year wideout who burst onto the scene with a stellar rookie season, is set to have his practice window opened soon. If there are no setbacks, McMillan could begin practicing this week – setting the stage for an infusion of help for the season’s stretch run.”

While Tampa Bay’s 2024 third-round pick did not have an Emeka Egbuka-like start to his NFL career, he came alive over the final part of last season. Over the last five games, McMillan recorded 24 catches for 316 yards and seven touchdowns, scoring in each game. After showcasing an ability to find the end zone and stretch the field, there was plenty of optimism for what he could do for an encore.

Coming down hard and suffering a neck injury quickly turned hope into fear, as it is one of the worst injuries that can have life-long effects.

Football can wait when examining what is at stake. Damage to the cervical spine (the neck area) can impact everything from long-term mobility to neurological function, and even “minor” complications can alter a person’s quality of life. For McMillan, the concern extends well past missed games or delayed development. It is about protection, recovery, and ensuring the rest of his life is not compromised by one violent moment on the field. His future is worth far more than just this season, and that is what makes the timing of this update all the more interesting.

With the Bucs sitting at 7-5, they are very much alive in the NFC playoff race and maintain a lead in the NFC South. McMillan would return to play meaningful football should he come back before the regular season is out, as head coach Todd Bowles alluded to last week.

Pewter Report’s Adam Slivon contributed to this report.