Kalen DeBoer provides update on Jalen McMillan injury

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Andy Staples' Week 7 Reactions: Washington-Oregon, Tennessee-Texas A&M, Iowa-Wisconsin, Florida-South Carolina

Jalen McMillan didn’t have the grand return he was hoping for. In Washington’s 36-33 win over Oregon, the standout wide receiver reaggravated his injury in the first quarter. He did not return. After the win, Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer provided an update on McMillan’s injury.

“He just tweaked a little bit of what he had before,” DeBoer said. “I don’t know the severity of it, but that’s just kind of falling in line with what he had before.”

McMillan missed Washington’s two previous contests due to a leg injury. Nonetheless, the junior WR decided to suit up on Saturday. After only a few plays, it was obvious McMillan wasn’t ready to return. He was forced to watch Washington’s stunning victory with his helmet off from the sideline.

While McMillan missed most of the game, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. didn’t lack targets. The Heisman Trophy candidate tallied 302 passing yards and four touchdowns while only throwing one interception.

Oregon should be thankful McMillan wasn’t on the field. In just three appearances this season, McMillan has amassed 20 receptions, 311 receiving yards and hauled in a touchdown. The California native also boasts a rushing score.

McMillan’s early success was no surprise. McMillan finished last season with 1,098 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, the most of any Huskies receiver. The former four-star recruit is just one option in Washington’s offensive toolbox.

Kalen DeBoer pulls back curtain on Washington offense

During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday, DeBoer revealed how his dynamic offense came together.

“When Michael came in, the other piece too is not just his skillset but him having a pretty good dose of the offensive system back in 2019 when we were together. Then that carrying on what he was a part of there at Indiana,” said DeBoer. “When he came in, he was like an extra coach on the football field.”

“Then, like you said, surrounding him with Jalen McMillan, Ja’Lynn Polk, Rome Odunze? I mean those guys are just special,” DeBoer added. “Every day, they keep getting better. I still don’t think we’ve seen what they’re capable of.”

With six games remaining the regular seasons, Washington still has plenty of time to reach its potential. It won’t be a cake walk for the Huskies. After taking on Arizona State and Stanford next, Washington will close the regular season against four-straight ranked opponents, including USC.