The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting healthy once again just in time for the playoffs. Bucky Irving returned from his long absence and Mike Evans may not be too far behind. The Buccaneers may also get wide receiver Jalen McMillan back from injury for his 2025 debut.
Tampa is expected to open McMillan's 21-day practice window on Wednesday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
McMillan suffered three neck vertebrae fractures during a preseason game against the Steelers back in August. He has spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve.
Rapoport reported on Sunday that noted spine expert Dr. Robert Watkins confirmed that McMillan has received the green light to practice.
The Buccaneers can decide at the end of McMillan's 21-day practice window whether he will return or remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
The second-year receiver out of Washington was a solid contributor for Tampa during his rookie season. McMillan logged 37 receptions for 461 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
McMillan could be a valuable piece for the Buccaneers moving forward. That is especially true after the 2025 season.
Veteran Mike Evans is under contract through the 2025 season, and there's no guarantee that the 32-year-old receiver will return in 2026.
McMillan could join Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka as one of the core pieces of Tampa's offense in 2026 and beyond.
As for the 2025 season, McMillan could compete with Tez Johnson and Sterling Shepard for targets once he is fully cleared to return.
It is great to see Tampa getting healthy at the perfect time. Now they just need to focus on winning a few more games to punch their ticket to the playoffs. Then anything could happen.
Next up for the Buccaneers is a Week 14 matchup against the Saints.
