Bucs shakeup at WR as McMillan sidelined

The Buccaneers face an early depth test as Jalen McMillan is sidelined and Chris Godwin remains on the PUP list.

Bucs expect McMillan to miss Week 1 with neck injury

The Buccaneers announced that Jalen McMillan has a severe neck strain and will not be ready for Week 1 against the Falcons. Head coach Todd Bowles indicated Godwin has not yet been activated from the physically unable to perform list, leaving the team with another unanswered question at wide receiver. If McMillan is placed on injured reserve, he would miss at least four games. McMillan, a rookie from last season, posted 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. With him out and Godwin uncertain, first round pick Emeka Egbuka is expected to take on a larger role alongside Mike Evans in the early going.

The situation puts added pressure on the Bucs to fill depth at receiver as they begin the season. Evans is the veteran anchor, but the absence of McMillan and the uncertain return timeline for Godwin could force a faster integration of Egbuka into the offense and test Bowles's rotation decisions from the opening snap.

The injury opens a clear test of the Buccaneers' depth chart and the trust coaches place in younger players. If McMillan cannot play soon, Egbuka’s responsibilities could grow quickly, shaping how the offense distributes the targets and how the line protects the quarterback on shorter throws.

This setback also highlights a wider NFL trend: teams rely on a mix of proven veterans and developing talent to weather early-season injuries. Bowles will need to balance practice reps with game-ready readiness, deciding how fast to accelerate Egbuka and how much Evans can carry the load without additional established options. The early choices could set a tone for the unit’s cohesion and resilience as the season begins.

Highlights

Health and depth will determine the Buccaneers’ immediate ceiling this fall