Buccaneers’ Ted Hurst has a golden opportunity with Jalen McMillan out vs. Bengals

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released their inactive list ahead of their Week 1 showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Buccaneers will be without wide receiver Jalen McMillan, offensive tackle Justin Skule, and running back Sean Tucker due to injury, while the other inactives include defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, cornerback Ayden Garnes, guard Billy Schrauth, and defensive tackle Elijah Simmons. 

There were no major surprises, but the most consequential player on the list is McMillan, who Todd Bowles listed as doubtful earlier in the week. Tampa Bay needs all hands on deck offensively in what could become a shootout against an explosive Bengals offense. Being without McMillan is far from ideal given the key role he's expected to play in Zac Robinson's offense, but it could open the door to a big day for one Bucs rookie. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Ted Hurst could step up with Jalen McMillan ruled out vs. Bengals 

With McMillan, who was expected to be the team’s third wide receiver behind Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, ruled out, Ted Hurst just got a golden opportunity. 

Tampa Bay will need the promising rookie wide receiver to step up, and he could be in for a bigger role in Week 1 than initially expected. 

Hurst has been a standout all throughout training camp thanks to being a serious downfield threat and his dominance in contested-catch situations. He’s even drawn some lofty comparisons to franchise legend Mike Evans. 

In an offensive game that should feature plenty of scoring, Hurst could be counted on to flash some of the big-play ability that made the Buccaneers fall in love with him and draft him in the third round.

In his final two collegiate seasons, Hurst led the FBS with 34 catches of 20+ yards, while 71% of his receptions resulted in first downs or touchdowns.

As they try to keep pace with Burrow and the Bengals, the Bucs could certainly use some of his signature chunk plays.

While being without McMillan is unfortunate, especially after he missed most of last season with an injury, there’s a glass half-full way to view this. Tampa Bay could get a huge boost with the threat Hurst poses downfield and in the red zone.

The rookie might’ve been buried on the depth chart entering the season opener, but now he’ll get a chance to make a statement in his NFL debut while potentially helping the Buccaneers escape Cincinnati with a victory.

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