Buccaneers Face Unexpected Twist as Star Player Battles Mysterious Injury

Imagine gearing up for the season opener, only to have a key weapon sidelined before the first whistle blows—talk about a gut punch for Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans. Jalen McMillan, fresh off lighting up the league with seven touchdown grabs in the final stretch last year, finds himself wrapped in a neck brace instead of chasing down passes. It’s the kind of blow that makes you wonder: how does a team recalibrate when a rising star hits an unexpected speed bump? With McMillan down and Chris Godwin’s recovery still underway, Baker Mayfield’s offense faces a test of resilience—and honestly, it’s the kind of unfolding drama that reminds us why football is as much about grit as game plans. Let’s dive into what this means for the Bucs as they try to navigate choppy waters right out of the gate.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without one of their key players in Week 1.

Wide receiver Jalen McMillan will miss the season opener, and perhaps will be out even longer.

“Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said WR Jalen McMillan suffered a severely strained neck and will miss time, including the start of the season. McMillan is currently in a neck brace,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team wrote on X.

#Bucs HC Todd Bowles said WR Jalen McMillan suffered a severely strained neck and will miss time, including the start of the season.

McMillan is currently in a neck brace. pic.twitter.com/rpc2qdimcg

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 19, 2025

McMillan fell awkwardly on the back of his head trying to make a catch in the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was hit by Steelers defensive back Daryl Porter Jr., and his body seemed to fold midway through his leap.

Fortunately, McMillan was able to walk off the field after being evaluated by the medical staff, but he had to be be taken to the hospital for testing.

Bowles said the extent and nature of the injury aren’t career-threatening.

Even so, he didn’t want to give any timeline for a return, and they will most likely take it slowly with the second-year player.

McMillan broke out with a league-leading seven touchdown receptions in the final five weeks of the 2024 regular season.

The Bucs are also without Chris Godwin as he continues to work his way back from ankle surgery and hasn’t been activated from the PUP list.

In the meantime, quarterback Baker Mayfield will turn to veteran Mike Evans and promising rookie Emeka Egbuka in the passing game.

The post Key Buccaneers Player Is Dealing With An Injury appeared first on The Cold Wire.