Who Should I Start? Jalen McMillan or Luther Burden III

Monday, December 1, 12:50 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) could start doing more in practice this week, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. McMillan is still on Injured Reserve and has not played at all in 2025 after suffering multiple neck fractures and ligament damage during a preseason game back in mid-August. Fellow wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) could also do more in practice this week and potentially return for a Week 14 divisional clash against the New Orleans Saints. McMillan isn't as far along as Evans, so the 23-year-old probably won't be ready to return from IR this weekend. McMillan was expected to have a role in Tampa's passing attack this year before his serious injury in the summer, but expectations should be tempered for him if he's able to return, especially after the strong contributions from rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson in his absence.

Tuesday, December 2, 9:18 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has at least three catches in four straight games and has at least five targets in each of his last three. He led the team with four catches in their Black Friday win over the Eagles on a windy day in Philadelphia. While his yardage totals have been mediocre, the second-round rookie from Missouri is getting enough looks to eventually show off his big-play potential. Burden is clearly operating as the team's third receiver behind Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, playing over 50% of snaps the last two weeks ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus. Burden will remain a risky flex play against Green Bay in Week 14 with so many other options in the offense, but if you are looking for receiver depth, he's one of the top widely available options.