Who Should I Start? Jalen McMillan or Emeka Egbuka

Friday, October 10, 2:10 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles replied, "I hope so," when asked whether wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) will play in 2025, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Bowles did note that McMillan is "getting better" but is "still in the neck brace." The second-year wide receiver suffered a neck injury during the preseason and is currently on Injured Reserve. McMillan recorded 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns on 58 targets in 13 games last season, but it does not appear he is close to making his 2025 debut. The Buccaneers' wide receiver corps is currently quite depleted, with wideouts Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) both set to miss the team's Week 6 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Evans and Godwin are both expected to return before McMillan, but Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka could have an extended run as the team's WR1.

Friday, October 17, 12:05 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) was seen working off to the side with trainers during Friday's practice, per Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The standout rookie was labeled as a non-participant on Thursday, so it's encouraging to see him upgrade his practice status a day later. While Egbuka hasn't explicitly been ruled out for the team's matchup with the Lions on Monday Night Football, the expectation is that he won't be available. That could change, and the Bucs could certainly use him, considering fellow wideout Chris Godwin (leg) and running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) also aren't expected to play. Fortunately, Tampa Bay is on track to get veteran Mike Evans (hamstring) back in the fold, but fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on the Ohio State product's designation ahead of his game in Week 7.