Jalen McMillan Sustains Neck Injury in Preseason Game, Placed on IR

The wideout from Tampa Bay is headed to the shelf. He sustained a season-ending neck injury in a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Saturday night, McMillan crashed into defensive back Daryl Porter Jr. while trying to make a diving catch. The repercussions were extreme and the entire country was horrified.

McMillan sprung resolutely into the air. When he went down, his body crumpled in a way that produced an impact on a very different level, as his neck and back of his head clacked against the floor. Medical personnel quickly arrived on the field, and he was evaluated on scene for the completeness of his injury. Fortunately, McMillan was able to walk off the field under his own power, a small blessing that can often be lost in such an emotional moment.

Before leaving, McMillan was brought to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Coach Todd Bowles would later call it a “severely strained neck” injury. He said that this injury will affect McMillan’s availability for the regular season, which starts on December 18. According to tests done after the accident, McMillan will have extensive recuperation time. The injury is still not believed to jeopardize his career.

By the end of this important 2024 year for the profession, McMillan helped strengthen the field substantially. He led the NFL with seven TD receptions over the last five weeks of the regular season. His play stood out overwhelmingly on an otherwise dim Buccaneers defense. Fans were eagerly anticipating how he would build off that momentum in his second season with the team. As a result, the wide receiver turned into one of two 3rd-round draft picks for Buc’s in 2024. This transition further emphasizes the team’s heavily rosier investment in his upside.

While the Buccaneers will certainly miss McMillan’s loss as they move towards their first regular season campaign. We’ll particularly miss his ability to stretch the field in terms of making the big play at the most important times. He was so good during his breakout early last year!