The Buccaneers dealt with a laundry list of injuries at the receiver position in 2025, including one to second-year player Jalen McMillan. In 2024, McMillan emerged as the number-two guy on the depth chart behind Mike Evans, supplementing the production of Chris Godwin in his absence from the field. His seven touchdowns over his final five games of the regular season were tied for the most by any Buccaneer over a five-game span in club history, joining Mike Evans and Jimmie Giles. McMillan became the second player to record seven or more touchdown catches over a five-game span in 2024, joining Ja'Marr Chase. Unfortunately, his ascension was derailed in 2025 during preseason Week Two.
McMillan suffered a serious neck injury in a preseason clash with the Steelers, landing him on injured reserve. He wore a constrictive neck brace for several months and worked his way back, both physically and mentally. McMillan returned to the field against the Falcons in Week 15 and showcased his physicality. McMillan played 138 snaps in 2025 and posted his first 100-yard receiving game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. He accumulated seven catches for 114 yards, including a 33-yarder off a Baker Mayfield pump fake, in the battle with Miami.
"I was just happy to see him come back," described Head Coach Todd Bowles at the NFL Scouting Combine. "There was a point in the season where I did not know if he would come back and then if he came back, I did not know if he would have the jitters, especially with the neck injury. I think the first game back he took a vicious hit and kind of fell on his neck and he got up like nothing happened and then I was happy after that. He is a very talented guy and he is a very passionate guy. I think he fits in great with the receiver room and he is a workhorse. He comes out to work everyday and I think he has some great football ahead of him."
Not only did McMillan step foot on the gridiron just months after a scary injury, but he produced one of the best outputs of his career. McMillan's unadulterated love of the game and commitment to the Bucs were on full display during his small 2025 sample size. He helped ignite the offense with his ability to bait coverage with leverage and fakes mid-route, ball-tracking skills and outstanding body control. His acceleration off the line and ability to mix-up his releases and tempo set the tone.
