Entering Week 13, things are trending in a positive direction, injury-wise, for the Bucs. Running back Bucky Irving, outside linebacker Haason Reddick, and cornerback Jamel Dean appear set to return from injury. At the same time, quarterback Baker Mayfield will not be kept down by his ailment against the Cardinals, either.
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan, on the other hand, has yet to play this season after suffering a scary neck injury during the second preseason game against the Steelers in late August. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared some of the only positive news yet about how close McMillan is to returning on Sunday morning.
Help is on the way for the #Bucs offense, as promising WR Jalen McMillan received clearance from spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins and likely begins practicing this week.
My story: https://t.co/2dgSBktXRKhttps://t.co/2dgSBktXRK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 30, 2025
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.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
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 endzone 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 6-5, 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.
Bucs WRs Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Adam Slivon has covered the Bucs for four seasons with PewterReport.com as a Bucs Beat Writer, Social Media Manager, and Podcaster. Adam started as an intern during his time at the University of Tampa, where he graduated with a degree in Sport Management in May 2023.
In addition to his regular written content, he appears every Thursday on the Pewter Report Podcast, has a weekly YouTube Top 10 Takeaways video series, and leads the managing of the site's social media platforms.
As a Wisconsin native, he spent his childhood growing up on a farm and enjoys Culver's, kringle, and a quality game of cornhole. You can find him most often on X @AdamLivsOn.
Bucs Record Watch 2025: Week 13 vs. Cardinals
