Injuries Pile Up for Buccaneers as McMillan and Mayfield Sidelined

McMillan Sidelined with Knee Injury

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed wide receiver Jalen McMillan on injured reserve. This roster move on Wednesday means he will miss at least the next four games.

McMillan hurt his left knee during Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He suffered a PCL sprain after colliding with Vikings safety Josh Metellus while attempting to catch a pass. This is a reaggravation of an injury he suffered during training camp. That previous injury forced him to miss multiple weeks of camp and the team's season opener.

The young receiver does not have a catch in his two games this season. Early estimates suggest he could be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Rookie Jalon Daniels to Start at Quarterback

Tampa Bay is also dealing with a major injury at quarterback. Starter Baker Mayfield will miss at least the next three weeks. Mayfield is sidelined with a dislocated right thumb.

With Mayfield out, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will take over as the starting quarterback. His first start comes this week against the Green Bay Packers.

To add some depth, the Buccaneers signed veteran quarterback Brett Rypien to their practice squad on Wednesday. Rypien gives the team another experienced backup option. The team also has quarterback Easton Stick on the practice squad.

Roster Adjustments

The Buccaneers made another roster move on Wednesday by signing safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to the active roster from the practice squad.

These injuries put a lot of pressure on the roster. Tampa Bay will have to adapt quickly with a rookie quarterback and a key receiver sidelined for the upcoming weeks.

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 04 Oct): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 36%, Green Bay Packers win 64%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19, Green Bay Packers 22. Our safest pick: Over 32.5 points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Fri, 09 Oct): Dallas Cowboys win 77%, Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 23%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 28, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20. Our safest pick: Over 40.5 points.