Tetairoa McMillan injury update: Panthers get massive bad news on star WR's status hours before Week 17 game vs Seahawks

The Carolina Panthers received massive bad news hours before their Week 17 clash against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday as rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was added to their injury report.

McMillan, who is a strong contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award this season, has been added back to the injury report due to an illness and is questionable for the contest, per NFL insider Adam Schefter.

"Panthers now have added rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to the injury report due to illness and are listing him as questionable for today’s game against the Seahawks," Schefter wrote on X.

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The rookie wideout entered the weekend without a game designation after he was listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a rest day. However, he returned to practice on Thursday and Friday and was expected to start against the Seahawks.

McMillan has recorded 65 catches for 924 yards, the most by a rookie this season, along with seven touchdowns. If he is unavailable for the game, the Panthers would have to turn to Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn, or Hunter Renfrow to handle the team's WR duties.

Tetairoa McMillan billed as favorite for top rookie award by NFL insider Tom Pelissero

Tetairoa McMillan, who was selected by the Panthers with the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, is considered the favorite for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, per NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

“The No. 8 overall pick in April's draft, McMillan was the runaway winner here with 17 votes," Pelissero wrote. "He leads all rookies with 924 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns and 43 receptions of 10-plus yards; his 65 total catches rank third among first-year pros. "And while some rookies hit the proverbial wall, "T-Mac" just seems to be getting better -- he has five touchdowns in the Panthers' past five games as they've surged into the NFC South lead.”

It remains to be seen if the rookie wideout will be able to suit up for the game against the Seahawks and solidify his case for the top award this weekend.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash