McMillan is expected to move into a starting role beginning Thursday against the Jets, Khari Thompson of Boston.com reports.

McMillan is slated to be the next man up at inside linebacker, as the Patriots are expected to be without Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder) for an extended time. The former has served a rotational role the last couple of seasons since he arrived in New England and hasn't played a near every-down role since his rookie and sophomore seasons in Miami.