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[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Report: Jalen McMillan to be placed on injured reserve after suffering neck injury

Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan will be placed on injured reserve following a neck injury sustained during the team’s preseason outing in Pittsburgh. During the Week 2 preseason game against the Steelers, McMillan leaped for a pass and came down awkwardly on the back of his head and neck after being up ended following the reception. Though he was able to walk off on his own, he was later seen exiting the stadium in a neck brace.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times shared the news on X.

Jalen McMillan will be placed on injured reserve after suffering a “severely sprained neck,” against the Steelers and could be out past the Bucs Week 9 bye week, the Times has learned. Team still feels fortunate the injury wasn’t worse and have depth at WR starting with Mike…

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 19, 2025

McMillan’s impact during his first NFL season in 2024 remains notable. In 13 games, he hauled in 37 receptions for 461 yards—good for a 12.5-yard average—and scored eight touchdowns, emerging as a reliable red-zone threat. Advanced metrics also underscored his value: per Pro Football Focus, McMillan ranked in the 85th percentile among receivers in overall grade, 77th in receiving yards, and 12th in touchdowns.

A strong December stretch highlighted his potential. In Weeks 14 and 15, he caught five passes for 51 yards and two TDs, then followed with five receptions for 74 yards and another score—solidifying his role as a dynamic playmaker in an offense in transition.

With McMillan now sidelined, the Buccaneers lose a budding offensive weapon. His absence could tighten their receiving depth chart, particularly early in the regular season, as the team awaits clarity on his timetable for return.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/tampa-ba...fter-suffering-neck-injury-preseason-steelers