In a clash under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers squared off against the Dallas Cowboys, but the night wasn’t kind to receiver Sterling Shepard. When Shepard pulled up with a hamstring injury, his absence was swiftly felt, and it wasn’t long before Jenna Laine of ESPN confirmed on social media that he’d be out for the remainder of the game.

Before exiting, Shepard had made a mark on the field, managing to secure one pass for a 20-yard gain. In his absence, rookie wideout Jalen McMillan seized the opportunity. With a nose for the end zone, McMillan punched in a touchdown late in the first half, making the Cowboys sweat as the Buccaneers trimmed their deficit to a mere seven points.

Sterling Shepard’s tenure with Tampa Bay has been a tale of resurgence. After an eight-year stint with the New York Giants, the 2024 season has seen Shepard rekindle his career with the Bucs.

His reunion with former college buddy Baker Mayfield, combined with a fresh start in Florida, has translated into 31 receptions, 323 yards, and a touchdown this season. Not bad for a player who came into the year with expectations lower than a Floridian sunset, especially after two seasons marred by injury and sub-200-yard campaigns.

The injuries plaguing the team, particularly those sidelining stars like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, have thrust Shepard into a pivotal role. With Godwin nursing a season-ending ankle injury from a grueling matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Shepard’s presence became essential. Since Week 8, Shepard has been Mayfield’s go-to guy, barring just two games with fewer than five targets—an achievement overshadowed only by Week 16’s early exit.

As the playoff picture comes into sharper focus, the Buccaneers are navigating choppy waters. Their playoff aspirations hinge on more than their own performance; they’re banking on the Atlanta Falcons stumbling to open a postseason door that seems to be closing. With Shepard’s status uncertain, McMillan might find himself stepping up as a key player, especially as he’s shown flashes of brilliance heading into this crucial stretch.

The Buccaneers’ playoff hopes have taken a hit with this recent loss, and they face a tougher road ahead. The clock is ticking for Shepard’s return, and with their playoff window narrowing, there’s a collective hope that he’ll lace up his boots sooner rather than later.