After a challenging second season marred by a neck injury, former Washington Huskies standout Jalen McMillan delivered a stellar performance during a tough 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers third-round draft pick showcased his resilience and skill, racking up 7 catches for a career-high 114 yards despite having missed 13 games due to several broken vertebrae suffered during the preseason.
Throughout the game, McMillan exhibited strong chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield, a bond that has evidently remained intact despite the long hiatus. Mayfield praised McMillan’s performance, stating, “He made a bunch of good plays for us. We trust JMac. Obviously, he’s had a lot of reps with us as we’re getting him back in there in the swing of things.”
As the Buccaneers have faced significant challenges with injuries at the receiver position this season, McMillan’s re-emergence is promising. Alongside All-Pro players Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, as well as first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, McMillan adds depth to what is proving to be one of the most formidable receiving groups in the NFL.
With the Buccaneers now gearing up for a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, the stakes have never been higher. The upcoming game will determine the NFC South division champion, and McMillan’s recent performance positions him as a key asset for Mayfield. Historically, he has had success against the Panthers, totaling 8 catches for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns in his previous two matchups.
As the Buccaneers look to wrap up the season on a high note, fans can remain hopeful that McMillan’s explosive talent and newfound confidence will play a significant role in the team’s playoff aspirations.