Jalen McMillan's inevitable return creates a difficult decision for Todd Bowles

The Buccaneers' receiving core has struggled in the absence of multiple starters, but one made a minor step toward returning. Jalen McMillan was spotted as an observer in practice on Thursday without a neck brace, finally giving Bucs' fans hope.

When the second-year receiver was originally sidelined, reports indicated he had severely strained his neck. That was not the case. Once Week 9 rolled around, Todd Bowles calmly commented on a podcast that the Washington product broke his neck and was in a neck brace.

This sent a shock to Bucs fans who expected a mid-season return. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, and he's been out all season. Finally, the receiver was seen without a neck brace and observing practice. While he presumably hasn't been cleared for practice yet, removing the neck brace is an exciting first step in recovery.

It does appear his return is still weeks away, but fans have to wonder what the receiving room will look like when he returns. So far, star rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka has taken over the WR1 spot, especially in Mike Evans' absence, which likely will be the remainder of the season. Besides Egbuka, there isn't another standout option at receiver, which causes concern for Tampa Bay's Super Bowl hopes.

Veteran receiver Sterling Shepard has played all 10 games this season, but has only recorded 349 receiving yards. Amidst the injuries of Evans, McMillan and Godwin, he hasn't stepped up. Rookie Tez Johnson has been instrumental in multiple games, but has been inconsistent.

When McMillan returns, he'll likely slot above these two, and behind Egbuka, but there's one player left. Chris Godwin finally returned to practice after an injury in Week 5. Entering Thursday, the longtime Buccaneer hasn't logged a full practice, leaving his return date uncertain.

Godwin has always been a solid option, but he really turned his production up early last year. Through seven games, Godwin recorded 576 yards and five touchdowns. He was on pace to destroy career highs in multiple categories, but was tragically injured and sidelined the rest of the year.

Assuming Godwin is healthy when McMillan returns, he'll likely assume the WR2 position. That places McMillan at WR3, which makes sense due to his inconsistencies to begin his rookie campaign. The 23-year-old really broke into a tear in the final five games of the season, when he caught seven touchdowns and recorded 316 yards.

Once McMillan returns, if everyone else is healthy, other than Evans, most likely, the receiving core is scary. Having McMillan as the No. 3 receiver will give Baker Mayfield the playmakers he desperately needs. Don't look now, but once the Bucs get healthy, they will be a force to be reckoned with for any team that gets in the way.