The NFC race is crowded, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need every healthy body they can find. Unfortunately, their receiver depth remains thin heading into Sunday. The Week 14 injury report confirmed the news fans didn’t want to hear: Jalen McMillan is officially sidelined again.
The Bucs listed him on injured reserve with a lingering neck injury, and despite some practice activity, he has been ruled out for this week.
Why Is Jalen McMillan Still Out?
McMillan managed limited participation in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. While that sounds promising, it fits a specific pattern for players on IR. He is ramping up and working through drills under medical supervision, but he hasn’t been cleared for game action yet.
Limited sessions are a step in the right direction. However, they don’t automatically make him eligible to play. Tampa Bay’s report confirms he stays on injured reserve with an “out” designation, ending any speculation about a surprise return this week. This distinction matters. Practice progress is good, but without a formal roster activation, he can’t suit up.
The Buccaneers’ report clarifies a messy situation at wide receiver. Mike Evans, who is also on IR with a collarbone injury, practiced on a limited basis all week but remains out. Chris Godwin Jr. is dealing with a fibula issue. He fluctuated between limited and full, and then back to limited, which is often a standard maintenance routine for a starter tracking toward playing.
These absences loom large for an offense that currently ranks 26th on PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact metric with a D+ grade. The team needs its playmakers, but the medical staff is holding the line. IR players like McMillan and Evans require an official activation transaction to play, and that move has yet to happen.
Beyond the receivers, the Friday report highlighted several critical statuses. Tristan Wirfs improved from missing practice to limited participation, leaving him questionable. That designation usually means his availability comes down to pregame testing. Benjamin Morrison practiced all week fully but remains questionable, a sign that the team might be managing minor symptoms or specific game-plan needs.
On the brighter side, Haason Reddick practiced all week fully and carries no injury designation. The backfield also looks healthy, with Bucky Irving and quarterback Baker Mayfield progressing to full participation by Thursday and Friday. That availability will shape how the offense operates in Week 14, even without McMillan and Evans.
The read here is straightforward. McMillan is putting in the work, evidenced by three straight days of limited practice. The team clearly isn’t rushing his recovery from a neck injury. A return requires him to stack more clean sessions, get medical clearance for contact, and finally receive an activation to the 53-man roster.
Until the Buccaneers announce that activation, McMillan stays week-to-week. His progress is visible, but he isn’t crossing the finish line just yet. Fans will have to keep watching the daily reports for that final green light.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Insights for Week 14
Team: Tampa Bay is a half-game in front of Carolina for the lead in the NFC South. They play the Panthers in Week 16 and 18.
QB: Buccaneers are 7-1 when Baker Mayfield doesn’t throw an interception and 0-4 when he does.
Offense: Tampa Bay finished with the 23rd best OFFi in the NFL from Week 13. It was the fifth time in seven games that their OFFi score was 20th or lower in a week. Overall, on the season, the Buccaneers are 26th in the league.
Defense: Tampa Bay has forced at least two turnovers in seven games this season. It’s tied for second in the NFL.
Fantasy: Chris Godwin only had three receptions, but they all gained 20+ yards. It’s hard to rely on him, especially with Mike Evans nearing a return, but he looked healthy, and that’s enough to keep him in the flex conversation.
