Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan suffered a PCL sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Vikings, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, with an early projection of a six- to eight-week absence.
McMillan, 24, previously injured his left knee in training camp and has now re-aggravated the issue, per Laine. The team is seeking a second opinion for a firmer recovery timeline, but at first glance, the third-year wideout seems headed for injured reserve.
Originally a third-round pick in 2024, McMillan stepped up as a rookie after Chris Godwin’s season-ending ankle injury. He racked up 461 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in just 13 appearances and was poised for a big role in 2025 with Godwin still working his way back to the field. But McMillian broke a bone in his neck in the preseason and did not return until Week 15. He was efficient in his four appearances, averaging 44.5 yards per game and 11.9 yards per target, again indicating he was capable of more.
Mike Evans’ departure from Tampa Bay this offseason positioned McMillan to be the Buccaneers’ WR3 behind Godwin and 2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka. However, his preseason injury sidelined him in Week 1, and he played just two snaps in Week 2 and seven before going down in Week 3.
Now, McMillan will have to once again focus on his health in hopes of returning to the field later this season. His scant involvement in the Bucs’ offense so far this year should not force the team to make substantial changes to their lineup. If anything, it will give rookie Ted Hurst a chance to solidify his grip on the No. 3 role after opening his pro career with six receptions for 103 yards. The third-round pick has caught fewer than half of his targets through three games, though 2025 seventh-rounder Tez Johnson’s two catches for 57 yards on seven targets is even less efficient.
Should McMillan land on IR, 2026 would become his third straight season with at least four games missed due to injury. A speedy recovery and a return to his rookie production would give him a solid base from which he can launch into a crucial 2027 contract year, but missing most or all of Tampa Bay’s remaining games could put him in a precarious position heading into the offseason.