Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan is expected to miss six to eight weeks after aggravating a left knee injury during Sunday’s 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. McMillan suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain, the same knee issue that had limited him during training camp. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve and will receive further evaluation, according to reports from ESPN’s Jenna Laine
McMillan initially sustained the knee injury during the summer and returned to practice earlier this month. He had appeared in two games this season without recording a reception before Sunday’s matchup. The injury adds another setback for a Tampa Bay offense that is also expected to be without quarterback Baker Mayfield for at least three weeks because of a dislocated thumb suffered against Minnesota.
The 24-year-old McMillan was selected by Tampa Bay in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, catching 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. Injuries limited him to four games last season after he suffered a serious neck injury during the preseason. Through 19 career games, McMillan has 49 receptions for 639 yards and eight touchdowns.
McMillan’s absence leaves the Buccaneers with fewer established options at receiver as the team prepares to move forward at quarterback with rookie Jalon Daniels. Emeka Egbuka has led Tampa Bay with 13 receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown through three games, while rookie Ted Hurst also scored his first NFL touchdown against Minnesota. Tampa Bay enters Week 4 at 0-3 and is scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
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