In the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason game against the Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan took a scary hit that had everybody holding their breath.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw an ill-advised hospital ball, and despite coming down with the catch in traffic, McMillan was flipped in the air before landing on his head and neck area.
Eventually, McMillan was able to walk off the field under his own power, which was a very positive sign. After walking off, however, he rode the golf cart into the locker room, but was smiling and gave fans a thumbs up according to Pewter Report — another encouraging sign.
After the game, McMillan was spotted wearing a neck brace as he walked into the locker room, courtesy of a video posted to X by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan enters the locker room after the game wearing a neck brace. pic.twitter.com/rv6FRrGgIY
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 17, 2025
McMillan took to social media to put concerns about his injury to rest. “God is amazing. Don’t worry y’all im str8,” McMillan posted to his Instagram story.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan, who left tonight's game with a back/neck injury, on Instagram: pic.twitter.com/fu0KcqkTVk
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 17, 2025
Last season as a rookie, McMillan caught 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns. He tied the second-longest streak ever for a rookie receiver by scoring a touchdown in five consecutive games.
With Chris Godwin Jr. expected to miss time to begin the season, the Buccaneers will be relying on McMillan to build on his impressive rookie campaign and take on a potentially bigger role in the offense.
Football aside though, the most important part of this story is McMillan’s health and wellbeing, and fans can take a sign of relief knowing he’ll be okay.
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