The hits just keep coming for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with WR Jalen McMillan expected to miss considerable time.
Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings was more damaging to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than just a third consecutive defeat to start the season.
Not only did the Bucs drop to 0-3, but they also lost quarterback Baker Mayfield to a dislocated thumb with under two minutes to go in the game.
Mayfield, known for his toughness, stayed on the ground well after his fourth-down prayer went unanswered. He was screaming in pain after hurting the thumb of his throwing hand while being hit by Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman.
The season has not gone according to plan for the Bucs or Mayfield, who is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks after Monday's MRI revealed no further damage.
The bad news on the injury front didn't stop with Mayfield.
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who exited Sunday's contest against the Vikings in the first quarter and didn't return, is also going to be out for an extended period.
According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, McMillan suffered a PCL sprain in his left knee, and the early estimate is that he will be forced to miss 6-8 weeks. Laine also noted that McMillan and the team are seeking a second opinion.
Aggravation Of Previous Injury
When McMillan hurt his knee against the Vikings, it was an aggravation of the previous injury he suffered to the same knee in training camp.
The original injury sidelined McMillan for the final few weeks of camp and also for Tampa's season-opening road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Unable To Build On Rookie Success
McMillan flashed enormous potential down the stretch as a rookie in 2024. After an injury to fellow WR Chris Godwin Jr., the third-round pick was thrust into a much larger role, and he excelled.
He quickly became one of Mayfield's favorite targets, and McMillan would end his rookie season with 37 catches, 461 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
Heading into the 2025 season, expectations were high for McMillan as he looked to build upon the success he had as a rookie. Unfortunately, a serious neck injury in the preseason cost McMillan almost all of his sophomore campaign.
He returned for the final four games and recorded 12 catches.
Expectations for McMillan were pushed back to this season, where the departure of Mike Evans has created more opportunities for the Bucs' other receivers.
Unfortunately, the Washington product hasn't been able to take advantage due to another injury.
Final Thoughts
The loss of McMillan is a big blow to Tampa's offense, especially with Mayfield also missing time. However, it is an even bigger blow to McMillan, whose future with the Bucs may become murky if the team feels that it can't count on him to be available.
The team will likely turn to rookie Ted Hurst even more with McMillan out. The talented third-round pick has already seen his usage grow after McMillan's camp injury. Now that the Bucs know McMillan will be out for a significant time, they can fully commit to Hurst as WR3 behind Emeka Egbuka and Godwin.
Hurst scored his first career touchdown against Minnesota and will look to prove himself in an expanded role.
