The Carolina Panthers are getting a major boost heading into their pivotal Week 16 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is officially good to go. After missing some practice time due to lingering foot and ankle issues, McMillan has been cleared and is expected to suit up for Sunday’s NFC South showdown.
That’s big for Carolina-not just because McMillan is one of the most dynamic young receivers in the league, but because he’s still firmly in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. While his production has dipped a bit recently-just five catches for 100 yards over the last three games-he’s still managed to find the end zone twice during that stretch. That kind of red zone efficiency, even in a quieter stretch, speaks to his playmaking ability and the trust he’s earned from quarterback Bryce Young.
Zooming out, McMillan’s rookie campaign has been impressive. He’s hauled in 59 receptions for 851 yards and six touchdowns, serving as the clear No. 1 target in Carolina’s passing attack.
Tetairoa McMillan (foot, ankle) not listed on injury report for Week 16.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) December 19, 2025
His chemistry with Young has been one of the few consistent bright spots in a rollercoaster season for the Panthers. And with both Carolina and Tampa Bay sitting at 7-7, this Week 16 clash has major playoff implications.
The two teams are set to meet again in Week 18, and that rematch could very well decide the division. But first, all eyes are on Sunday.
McMillan will be lining up opposite another standout rookie in Tampa’s Emeka Egbuka, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this game. It’s not often you get a head-to-head between two Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates in a late-season divisional battle with postseason stakes.
Even with his recent dip in targets-13 over the last three games-McMillan remains a focal point of the offense. He’s played a staggering 87.4% of the Panthers’ offensive snaps this season, a number that speaks volumes about his role and reliability. And given Tampa Bay’s struggles against the pass in 2025-ranked 20th in EPA per dropback and having allowed 24 passing touchdowns, ninth-most in the league-there’s a real opportunity for McMillan to make some noise.
Carolina will need a spark if they want to pull off the upset at home, and McMillan is as good a candidate as any to provide it. He’s already shown he can beat defenses deep, win contested catches, and be a factor in the red zone. If the Panthers can get him going early, it could tilt the momentum in their favor in what’s shaping up to be a critical NFC South clash.