Washington receiver Jalen McMillan reportedly out against USC

ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided an unfortunate update on Washington Huskies wide receiver Jalen McMillan on Saturday.

McMillan returned to the field last weekend, against Stanford, but had to leave the game against the Cardinal early. However, there has been some hope throughout the week that the wide receiver would be available for Saturday’s showdown with the USC Trojans.

Evidently, that won’t be the case. Thamel is reporting that McMillan will miss the game, as he’s out for the clash against USC.

Source: Washington star wide receiver Jalen McMillan is out for the game at USC on Saturday. He returned to the line-up against Stanford last week before leaving the game early on, and has been considered “day-to-day” by coach Kalen DeBoer.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 4, 2023

“Source: Washington star wide receiver Jalen McMillan is out for the game at USC on Saturday,” Thamel tweeted. “He returned to the line-up against Stanford last week before leaving the game early on, and has been considered ‘day-to-day’ by coach Kalen DeBoer.”

Alas, that isn’t the news fans of the Huskies wanted to hear on Saturday. Nevertheless, Washington has won without Jalen McMillan this season on multiple occasions, and it looks like that’ll be the case once again.

Kalen DeBoer reacts to Washington criticism ahead of pivotal USC matchup

Washington, despite remaining undefeated, had some skeptics coming out of the woodwork after the Huskies won a pair of disjointed games in less-than-convincing fashion against lesser competition the last two weeks. And as such, Washington clocked in at No. 5 in the initial College Football Playoff ranking this week.

But Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t letting the criticism dictate how his team will go about things. Especially not before a pivotal Pac-12 matchup on the road at USC, the first trip there for the Huskies in years.

“Teams continue to improve and it’s not about comparing scores. Each and every game, each and every week is its own moment. And we’ve definitely still found ways to rise to the occasion at the right time and make the plays needed to get the win. This week will be another challenge and a road trip down at USC, a place we haven’t been in a long time as a program,” DeBoer said on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday.

Following a massive home win over rival Oregon, Washington struggled at home against Arizona State, winning 15-7, before giving up 33 points to Stanford in a 42-33 win.

DeBoer isn’t deaf to the criticism in recent weeks, but he’s not paying it much mind. All he hopes is his team can take lessons from the close calls to be better the rest of the way.

“I certainly understand the scores and a play here and play there kept it to where it was close games. Closer than you’re comfortable with, especially our fanbase. But it’s one of those things where we’re just in the grind. I don’t think we’re the only top-tier team that has had some close ones. And everyone’s gunning for you. You’re getting everyone’s best shot,” DeBoer said.

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this article.