Jalen McMillan was brought onto the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the idea of “planning for the future” as key contributors on the offensive side of the ball would be pending free agents by the end of the season. Unfortunately, after Monday night’s 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, that plan for the future came sooner than anticipated.
During the loss on Monday night, with 1:03 left in the game, wide receiver Chris Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle that prematurely ended his season and maybe his time in Tampa Bay.
Earlier in that same contest, wide receiver Mike Evans left the game with a hamstring injury while trying to catch what would have been his second touchdown of the game. Head coach Todd Bowles later revealed that the injury would sideline Evans until after the team’s Week 11 Bye.
During Wednesday’s press conference, Bowles reiterated his trust in the young talent in the receiving room. When asked specifically about McMillan, Coach Bowles said he told the rookie receiver to “play like he did in college, relax, and trust in his confidence.”
McMillan is confident he can perform at a high level on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
“Yeah, on Sunday, I can. You know, at first, I was kind of overthinking things but that’s just what comes with transitioning, you have to just adjust. I’m adjusting and just playing my role right and [I’m] just ready to make plays.”
The opportunity to “play like he did in college” will be right in front of McMillan as he steps into a bigger role. The rookie can show what the future holds for Tampa Bay in these next few weeks. It all starts this Sunday, as the Buccaneers host the Falcons, and the winner will take sole possession of the NFC South.
Jalen McMillan was brought onto the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the idea of “planning for the future” as key contributors on the offensive side of the ball would be pending free agents by the end of the season. Unfortunately, after Monday night’s 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, that plan for the future came sooner than anticipated.
During the loss on Monday night, with 1:03 left in the game, wide receiver Chris Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle that prematurely ended his season and maybe his time in Tampa Bay.
Earlier in that same contest, wide receiver Mike Evans left the game with a hamstring injury while trying to catch what would have been his second touchdown of the game. Head coach Todd Bowles later revealed that the injury would sideline Evans until after the team’s Week 11 Bye.
During Wednesday’s press conference, Bowles reiterated his trust in the young talent in the receiving room. When asked specifically about McMillan, Coach Bowles said he told the rookie receiver to “play like he did in college, relax, and trust in his confidence.”
McMillan is confident he can perform at a high level on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
“Yeah, on Sunday, I can. You know, at first, I was kind of overthinking things but that’s just what comes with transitioning, you have to just adjust. I’m adjusting and just playing my role right and [I’m] just ready to make plays.”
The opportunity to “play like he did in college” will be right in front of McMillan as he steps into a bigger role. The rookie can show what the future holds for Tampa Bay in these next few weeks. It all starts this Sunday, as the Buccaneers host the Falcons, and the winner will take sole possession of the NFC South.
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