Buccaneers' Bowles Optimistic About WR Jalen McMillan's Future

Head coach says he's "happy" McMillan returned from neck injury, sees "great football ahead" for young receiver.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles expressed optimism about wide receiver Jalen McMillan's future, saying he was "happy" to see the young wideout return from a neck injury that sidelined him for most of the 2025 season. Bowles noted that despite initial concerns about McMillan's recovery, the receiver bounced back well and showed his talent and work ethic, leaving the coach excited about his "great football ahead".

Why it matters

McMillan's health and production will be crucial for the Buccaneers' offense, especially if veteran receiver Mike Evans departs in free agency. The team is counting on McMillan to build on his strong finish to his rookie season and emerge as a key contributor.

The details

McMillan missed the first 13 games of the 2025 season after suffering a neck injury in the preseason. He returned for the final four games, catching 12 passes. Bowles said he was initially unsure if McMillan would return at all or if he would struggle with "jitters" after the injury, but was pleased to see the receiver bounce back and take a "vicious hit" without issue.

  • McMillan missed the first 13 games of the 2025 season.
  • McMillan returned for the final four games of the 2025 season.

The players

Jalen McMillan

A wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who had a strong finish to his rookie season in 2024 before missing most of 2025 due to a neck injury.

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is planning to explore free agency.

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What they’re saying

“I was just happy to see him come back. 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.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach

The takeaway

McMillan's successful return from injury and Bowles' optimism about his future suggest the young receiver could emerge as a key part of the Buccaneers' offense, especially if veteran Mike Evans departs in free agency. The team is counting on McMillan to build on his strong finish to his rookie season and become a reliable target for the team's passing attack.