Todd Bowles offers huge injury update for forgotten Buccaneers WR

Todd Bowles offers huge injury update for forgotten Buccaneers WR originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense has been hit hard by the injury bug this season, with several stars being ruled out for long periods.

But Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin have both made their returns in recent weeks, and while veteran Mike Evans is still a little ways away, one receiver is ramping up.

Jalen McMillan, who reportedly suffered a neck sprain and fractures in preseason, has been a slow burn in his return as the coaching staff no doubt takes a cautious approach.

But on Monday, head coach Todd Bowles dropped the most significant update yet on Jalen.

“He's been running,” Bowles said. “It's just a matter of him putting on the helmet and seeing where he has strength-wise with his neck. He'll start doing more this week, and we'll see exactly whether it's individual or whether it's certain some more things this week as well, but he will start moving around.”

More:Todd Bowles has best response to Buccaneers' returning star duo vs. Cardinals

Buccaneers finally getting healthy

Irving and Godwin's return is huge for Josh Grizzard and his offense, and with McMillan now starting to do more, maybe Tampa Bay will see him in 2025.

Then we have Evans, who is expected to be back at some point in December, so the Buccaneers' offense is beginning to finally get healthy at the right time of year.

With the Carolina Panthers hot on Tampa Bay's tail for the NFC South, getting weapons back is key for the Buccaneers to maintain their division lead.

Yes, McMillan is still likely a fair way away from properly practicing and then playing, but it was a positive update from Bowles, and that sure beats the alternative.

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