Jalen McMillan Returns to Buccaneers After Neck Injury, Set to Fill Mike Evans’ Vacancy

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has been medically cleared to practice after a preseason collision that fractured three vertebrae and caused herniated discs. The injury limited him to four games in the 2023 season. Following his recovery, the Buccaneers face a roster gap created by veteran receiver Mike Evans, who is now in San Francisco. Coach Todd Bowles indicated that McMillan is expected to assume a larger role in the passing attack.

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McMillan, a third-round 2024 draft pick, recorded 12 catches for 178 yards in his limited 2023 appearances and posted 37 receptions, 461 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. He will line up with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is expected to target him regularly. Bowles, the Buccaneers head coach, praised McMillan’s competitiveness, while Evans’ departure to San Francisco leaves a vacancy that the team hopes McMillan can fill.

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The Buccaneers have identified McMillan as a key piece to replace the production lost with Evans’ departure. The organization expects his competitiveness and ability to fight for routes to help sustain the passing game in the upcoming season.

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Bowles highlighted McMillan’s mental toughness and competitive drive as confidence-building for the upcoming season. McMillan expressed gratitude for being able to run and catch again, noting his appreciation for small victories and his determination to avoid hesitation.

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• “His competitiveness, the way he attacks the ball, the way he fights for every route and tries to get open and wants to be ‘that guy,’ you know, that gives you a lot of confidence that he’ll be doing that in the games.” — Todd Bowles, Buccaneers head coach

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With Evans now in San Francisco, the Buccaneers anticipate that McMillan will receive an expanded target share this season.

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