Tampa, Fla. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jalen McMillan has what coach Todd Bowles calls a “seriously nervous neck” while sophomores “will be missing out on time” in the regular season, Bowles said Tuesday.
McMillan fell awkwardly in the back of his head and neck area in his second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. The body folded in the air after McMillan collided with defensive back Daryl Porter Jr.
Bucs wide receiver Jalen McMillan was lifted by Steelers cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. in Saturday's preseason. AP Photos/Sue Ogrocki
McMillan, after receiving attention from medical staff, was able to walk out of the venue according to his own authority and then be taken to a local hospital for evaluation, a source said. He was cleaned out and flew home with the team on his neck stand.
Further tests in Tampa revealed the extent of the injury, and Powers said “should not” threaten the profession.
McMillan gave the Bucs one of two draft picks in 2024, leading the NFL with seven touchdown catches in the final five weeks of the regular season.
Bucs are no longer one of their widest recipients, Chris Godwin, who is recovering from ankle surgery and is still active/puppy.