The Carolina Panthers are heading into Week 4 with a bit of uncertainty at their top wide receiver spot. Rookie Tetairoa McMillan has a calf injury that made him miss practice on Wednesday. He was able to take part in two limited practices later in the week, but his status was still listed as questionable for the game against the New England Patriots.
Despite the injury, there’s optimism that McMillan will play. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s David Newton both say he is expected to suit up on Sunday. Fans and fantasy players should still check the official inactive list, which is released about an hour and a half before kickoff, just to be sure.
Right now, McMillan is ranked around WR30 overall, so he’s not yet a must-start every week. However, this week’s matchup is promising. The Patriots have been giving up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. That could give McMillan a chance to have a productive game.
New England is expected to have their top cornerback, Christian Gonzalez, back for this matchup. However, it’s his first game of the 2025 season, so he may be limited and not fully up to speed. That could make things a little easier for McMillan.
Overall, while McMillan is not a star option yet, he is likely to play and could be a good flex pick in fantasy leagues this week. If he stays healthy, he has a solid opportunity to contribute against a defense that has been vulnerable to wide receivers.