The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be the most oft-injured team in the NFL. Whether it be Mayfield’s recent injury or the countless ones to their star receivers, the injury bug keeps on nagging them. However, they may finally be receiving positive news surrounding one of their second year talents that could make for some interesting decisions in the offense.
McMillan’s Progress Toward a Return
In the preseason, the Bucs lost second year wide receiver Jalen McMillan to a gruesome neck injury. While his timeline then was unknown, he is getting loser to a comeback now that the regular season was in full swing. For the first time in a while, McMillan was seen at Bucs practice without a neck brace as early as last week. While this doesn’t completely confirm a return, Greg Auman, who reported on this news, suggested a potential return date next month. This timeline is highly important for several reasons. First of all, with a lot of offensive talent for the Bucs already out and facing extended time on the sidelines, Jalen McMillan’s return would be very much welcomed. Add in the fact that the Bucs are still holding onto a playoff spot and McMillan’s return feels like it will help them in getting there. Still, with the emergence of other talents such as Emeka Egbuka, chances are McMillan’s role in the offense may not be as defined as people think.
Offensive Depth and December Implications
Egbuka already has 45 catches for 717 yards and six touchdowns this season, to put his breakout into perspective. No other Bucs receiver has reached 350 yards as of yet however. Adding Jalen McMillan to the fold could bolster the corps. When is the major question. If he is able to return in December, he could be there for a crucial stretch run for the Bucs as four of their last five games are against NFC South foes. In a potential division race against the sneaky Panthers , I would expect the Bucs would want all of their weapons at their disposal. McMillan’s return is also highly dependent on the timelines of other stars for Tampa as well. Bucky Irving could be back this week at the earliest. Chris Godwin has already returned. Mike Evans , who many thought would be out for the year, could also be expected to return before the end of the year. With all these other players either coming back soon, Tanpa may not have to rush McMillan back into action. Therefore, a December return should be most likely.
While somewhat of a disappointing timeline, this is still a great testament to McMillan’s perseverance after a very horrible injury befalling him. The fact that we are even talking about his potential return is incredible. Still, Bucs fans may have to temper expectations as more and more players make their returns. After all, there is going to be a ton of mouths to feed once everyone is back, McMillan included. For now, they should just begin to relish the chance that maybe, just maybe, Jalen McMillan will be back on a football field sooner than expected.
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