Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Jalen McMillan appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with a finger injury, raising questions ahead of Sunday night’s wild-card game against the Washington Commanders.
The good news came quickly for Bucs fans. According to RotoBaller Keith Hernandez, McMillan participated fully in Wednesday’s practice. The rookie wide receiver’s active participation suggests he’ll be ready for playoff contention, barring any setbacks.
McMillan’s presence matters to Tampa Bay’s offense. The 23-year-old has been on fire over the last five games, hauling in 24 catches for 316 yards and seven touchdowns. His postseason performance helped the Buccaneers to a 6-1 record over their last seven games.
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The Washington product stepped up tremendously after Chris Godwin was injured in October. McMillan finished his rookie campaign with 37 receptions, 461 yards and eight touchdowns. He has scored in five straight games heading into the playoffs.
Baker Mayfield, who posted career-best numbers with 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, praised McMillan’s development.
“The biggest thing about him, which you look for in any rookie, is progress over the course of the year, and that’s what he’s done,” Mayfield said Sunday.
Jalen McMillan could be Tampa Bay’s playoff X-Factor
Jalen McMillan’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino identified the young receiver as Tampa Bay’s broadcast X-factor of the season.
“A switch has been made at McMillan,” Valentino wrote Thursday. “He was more of a factor on offense and his role in beating New Orleans to win the NFC South already had a great finish to the season … Evans will always be the alpha in Tampa Bay, but McMillan now has Baker Mayfield’s confidence.”
Coach Todd Bowles highlighted McMillan’s understanding of the offense and growing confidence.
“When guys went down early in the year, he had a chance to get wet and figure out where he needs to be on the field from a standpoint,” Bowles said. “The older guys have helped him a lot and he’s playing really fast right now.”
The stakes rise significantly as Tampa Bay prepares to host Washington. These teams met in Week 1, with the Buccaneers claiming a 37-20 victory. McMillan’s development since that season opener adds another dimension to Tampa Bay’s offense.
McMillan’s partnership with future Hall of Famer Mike Evans could give Tampa Bay an offensive edge in the coming games.
Edited by Krutik Jain