Who Should I Start? Jalen McMillan or Kyle Williams

Friday, December 5, 12:57 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday that wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck), who returned to practice this week, will not come off Injured Reserve to make his 2025 debut in Week 14 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. McMillan resumed practicing this week for the first time since suffering three fractures in his neck as well as ligament damage during a preseason game in August. The Bucs are bringing McMillan along slowly, so he might not be ready for game action for another couple of weeks. Fellow wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) is much closer, with his return potentially coming next Thursday night against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. When/if McMillan returns this year, he will most likely struggle to find consistent targets in the team's crowded WR picture.

Thursday, November 13, 12:38 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams should continue to see more involvement during Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets in Week 11. Williams is coming off a strong outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which he posted a season-high (and, thus, career-high) 56 percent snap share. He caught one of two targets in the victory, breaking off an impressive 72-yard touchdown that wound up on numerous highlight reels. While we can't count on the rookie to break off a huge touchdown every week, last Sunday's big play should be enough to earn him more opportunities going forward. His volume will also continue to benefit from the absence of Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), who is headed for his second consecutive absence. Williams still has to compete with players like Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas for volume, but he's certainly starting to earn the trust of Drake Maye and New England's coaching staff. Williams is a WR5 with a low floor and high ceiling this week. Managers in most leagues can leave him on the bench until we see him consistently earn more targets.