The Buccaneers' injury concerns extended beyond Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb following Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who left the game in the first quarter and did not return, is now expected to miss six to eight weeks with a PCL sprain in his left knee, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. McMillan and the team are seeking a second opinion on the injury.
The setback is an aggravation of a knee injury McMillan first suffered during training camp. That original injury cost him the final weeks of camp as well as Tampa Bay's season-opening loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
A Frustrating Pattern
McMillan flashed significant potential as a rookie in 2024, stepping into a larger role after Chris Godwin's injury and finishing with 37 catches, 461 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He entered last season with heightened expectations, but a serious neck injury in the preseason limited him to just four games and 12 catches.
This season, with Mike Evans no longer on the roster, McMillan had another opportunity to expand his role. Instead, injuries have again interrupted his progress, first sidelining him for the opener and now for an extended stretch of the season.
What It Means For The Offense
McMillan's absence comes at a difficult time for Tampa Bay, which is 0-3 and now also without Mayfield for at least three weeks due to his thumb injury. With McMillan out, the Bucs are expected to lean further on rookie Ted Hurst, who has already seen his role grow behind Emeka Egbuka and Godwin. Hurst scored his first career touchdown in Sunday's loss to Minnesota and figures to see expanded opportunities as the team's third receiver while McMillan recovers.
The Buccaneers next host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, October 4, at Raymond James Stadium. McMillan's six-to-eight week timeline suggests he could remain out well beyond that matchup, depending on how his recovery progresses and the outcome of the pending second opinion.