The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trending in the wrong direction at the worst possible time. After losing four of their past five games, the Bucs find themselves in a tightly contested race with the Carolina Panthers atop the NFC South, and it’s safe to say that they could use a win desperately. However, a list of mounting injuries is making their quest more difficult than initially expected.
Considering all the injuries Tampa Bay has dealt with, it’s a bit of a miracle they even have a 6-5 record right now. While they are still quite banged up heading into Week 13, the team recently received an encouraging injury update regarding second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who hasn’t played at all this season due to a neck injury.
Jalen McMillan Closing in on Return to Action for Buccaneers
The Buccaneers’ offense has not been at full strength all year long. The one constant has been quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is banged up himself now, as he deals with a shoulder injury ahead of Week 13. All four of his top wide receivers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and McMillan) have missed time this year, as has star running back Bucky Irving and several of the team’s offensive linemen.
Slowly but surely, the offense is beginning to return to full health. Godwin returned to action in Week 12, and Irving seems set to join him in Week 13. Mayfield is expected to gut out his shoulder injury on Sunday, too, and now, the team has received some good news on McMillan, who suffered a scary neck injury during the preseason.
After putting together a strong rookie season that saw him catch 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns, McMillan was expected to play a big role in Tampa Bay’s passing game this year, but his neck injury has prevented him from suiting up to this point. However, McMillan has received clearance to return to the field, and the expectation is that his practice window will be opened later this week.
“Help is on the way for the Bucs offense, as promising WR Jalen McMillan received clearance from spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins and likely begins practicing this week,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported.
Buccaneers Badly Need to Get Back in the Win Column in Week 13
Ronald Martinez/GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves the field after his team was defeated by the Los Angeles Rams in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Mayfield has done a great job of piecing things together in the passing game with a revolving door of players lining up alongside him, but with the team struggling as of late, it’s clear it could use all the help it can. McMillan is a big-play threat who showed a knack for finding the endzone as a rookie, and he could immediately take on a big role in the passing game once he returns to action.
First, the Buccaneers have to find a way to get back in the win column, as a sneaky difficult game against the Arizona Cardinals looms. The Cards may be just 3-8, but they have looked much more dangerous as of late with Jacoby Brissett under center instead of Kyler Murray. Kickoff for this important game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
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