Latest on Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillans Neck Injury Recovery Timeline

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may finally be getting back to full strength, and just in time. Fresh off a gritty 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals to move to 7-5, Tampa Bay is bracing for the return of second-year wideout Jalen McMillan.

After entering the year with big expectations and hopes of building an even stronger connection with Baker Mayfield, McMillan is now on track to rejoin the offense for the stretch run.

What is the Latest Update on Jalen McMillan?

It was unclear whether McMillan would play at all this season after suffering a severe neck sprain and multiple fractures in the preseason. If all goes well, he’s expected to begin practicing next week, giving the Bucs a much-needed spark on offense.

ESPN’s Jenna Laine confirmed Ian Rapoport’s report, noting that McMillan is “very close” to returning after his neck sprain and fracture from the second preseason game. McMillan even posted an encouraging update on Instagram, sharing an image of him celebrating with Mayfield. So, if that’s anything to go by then maybe a hint of what’s coming.

Rapoport added that the second-year wideout, who broke out as a rookie, is set to have his practice window opened soon. If there are no setbacks, he could be back on the field this week. PFSN’s offense metric ranks the Bucs at 26th for the season so far. So, anything to boost it would be embraced by the team.

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McMillan, who put up 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns last year, can return in the coming weeks. He’ll slide into a strong pass-catching group featuring Chris Godwin, first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka, and tight end Cade Otton. Tampa Bay hasn’t had its full receiver room healthy at any point this season.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles confirmed WR Jalen McMillan will begin practicing some THIS week and he could be joined by WR Mike Evans, who will begin doing more after recovering from a broken clavicle. Both have a little ways to go before playing. First practice is Wednesday.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 1, 2025

McMillan’s injury was serious: three fractured vertebrae and ligament damage from an Aug. 16 preseason hit. Todd Bowles said the young receiver is finally adjusting to wearing a helmet again but still has “a little ways to go” before he and Mike Evans (collarbone) are ready to play. Even so, McMillan has now been cleared by spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.

Once designated to return, McMillan will have a 21-day window to be activated. With the Bucs able to ramp him up carefully, his return could come anywhere from Weeks 14 to 16, likely toward the later end given the severity of the injury and the time he’s missed.