Trending Now - Buccaneers' Receivers Urged to Rise Amid Evans' Absence
WHO:
buccaneers.com - Jalen McMillan expressed gratitude for being able to practice again, stating, "I am happy... I feel good... I am definitely taking appreciation for the small things and celebrating small wins."
buccaneers.com - Emeka Egbuka is a rookie wide receiver competing with Jalen McMillan.
buccaneers.com - Jalen McMillan is a third-year receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NBC Sports - Todd Bowles is the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NBC Sports - Jalen McMillan and Chris Godwin are wide receivers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Heavy NFL - Wynston Wilcox is a contributor for Fansided.
WHAT:
buccaneers.com - Jalen McMillan confirmed he has returned to the same strength he was at prior to his injury and is competing in a third-down competition with Emeka Egbuka during OTAs.
Heavy NFL - Veteran defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson praised rookie edge rusher Reuben Bain and linebacker Josiah Trotter for their performance during OTAs, highlighting their "power, aggressiveness, discipline."
buccaneers.com - Jalen McMillan suffered a serious neck injury in a 2025 preseason contest with the Steelers, landing him on injured reserve.
buccaneers.com - McMillan played 138 snaps last season and had the first 100-yard receiving game of his career against the Dolphins, accumulating seven catches for 114 yards.
NBC Sports - The Buccaneers lost Mike Evans, their best wide receiver in franchise history, to free agency.
NBC Sports - Todd Bowles stated that the Buccaneers have talented receivers who need to step up in Evans' absence.
NBC Sports - Bowles praised Jalen McMillan for his toughness and competitiveness.
NBC Sports - Bowles mentioned that Chris Godwin is healthy and in great shape, ready for a big year.
Heavy NFL - Chris Godwin might be entering his last season with the Buccaneers.
WHERE:
NBC Sports - The events are related to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL team.
WHEN:
Heavy NFL - The 2026 NFL season is referenced as a future event concerning Chris Godwin.
WHY:
NBC Sports - The need for other receivers to step up is due to the loss of a legendary player like Mike Evans.
HOW:
buccaneers.com - Jalen McMillan described his offseason routine of catching balls daily, stating that he now views it with "unbridled zeal."
buccaneers.com - McMillan confirmed he has returned to the same strength he was at prior to the injury and is competing with Emeka Egbuka in a third-down competition during OTAs.
NBC Sports - Todd Bowles is evaluating the performance of the wide receivers during the offseason program.
(UPDATED May 27, 2026 21:33 UTC)
Jalen McMillan is back to full strength and is feeling grateful to practice again, saying he appreciates the small things and is celebrating small wins. He’s currently competing with rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in a third-down competition during OTAs, and he’s been catching balls daily with what he calls "unbridled zeal." Meanwhile, veteran defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson has praised rookie edge rusher Reuben Bain and linebacker Josiah Trotter for their impressive performances, noting their power, aggressiveness, and discipline.
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(UPDATED May 27, 2026 16:32 UTC)
Jalen McMillan, a third-year receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is making strides in his recovery after suffering a serious neck injury during a 2025 preseason game against the Steelers, which placed him on injured reserve. Last season, he played 138 snaps and achieved his first 100-yard receiving game against the Dolphins, with seven catches for 114 yards. McMillan has confirmed that he has regained his pre-injury strength and is currently competing with Emeka Egbuka in a third-down competition during OTAs.
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(UPDATED May 27, 2026 14:59 UTC)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a significant change as they lost Mike Evans, their best wide receiver in franchise history, to free agency. Head coach Todd Bowles is confident in the team's talented receivers, praising Jalen McMillan for his toughness and noting that Chris Godwin is healthy and ready for a big year, although he may be entering his last season with the Buccaneers. As the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, Bowles is closely evaluating the performance of the wide receivers during the offseason program to ensure they step up in Evans' absence.