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Tetairoa McMillan Injury Update: Panthers Star Rookie Could Miss Week 17 (Illness)

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan popped up on the injury report at the very last second with an illness. According to the team’s official report, the first-round pick is questionable for today’s contest against the Seattle Seahawks. The two teams play at 1:00 PM, eastern time, and inactives are due 90 minutes before kickoff.

Tetairoa McMillan Illness Injury
Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) and quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrate after a play during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Tetaiora McMillan Placed On Injury Report With Illness, Officially Questionable

This could be a devastating blow to a Carolina Panthers team looking for their first playoff appearance since the Cam Newton days. Currently sitting atop the division with an 8-7 record, Carolina will clinch the NFC South with a win and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss against rookie Quinn Ewers and the Miami Dolphins.

Defeating the Seattle Seahawks will not be easy even with Tetairoa McMillan on the field, but this injury update only decreases the odds of Carolina pulling off the upset. Selected with the eighth-overall pick in the draft, the Arizona product immediately became the top option in this passing attack. Appearing in all 15 games, the rookie has recorded 65 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns on 112 targets. No other player on the team has more than 34 receptions or 338 yards.

If McMillan cannot play, look for former undrafted free agent Jalen Coker to lead the passing attack. A former afterthought, the Holy Cross product started the season on the injured reserve but has started to round into form late in the season. Appearing in nine games while making two starts, Coker has recorded 25 receptions for 331 yards and two touchdowns on the season, with a sizable portion of that production coming in the last three weeks.

If the Panthers lose, they can still win the division by taking down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18.

About David Latham, Managing Editor

With LWOS since 2017, and as Managing Editor for NFL content at Last Word On Sports since 2021, David Latham stands as an authority in professional football analysis. With an intricate understanding of the league, Latham has cultivated exceptional expertise in NFL Fantasy Football, offering astute insights that empower enthusiasts and seasoned players alike. His keen eye for detail and comprehensive knowledge also position him as a trusted source for breaking news and rumors, consistently delivering timely and accurate information. Latham’s contributions are invaluable for readers seeking strategic fantasy league decisions to understanding the impact of league-wide developments. His commitment to factual reporting and insightful commentary has cemented his reputation as a reliable voice in the NFL media landscape.

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