Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield faces a recovery timeline stretching up to six weeks due to a right thumb dislocation, casting a wider shadow over the team’s immediate offensive plans than initially stated by head coach Todd Bowles, according to reports from ESPN.
Bowles initially indicated earlier in the week that Mayfield would miss three weeks of activities, a timeline described as the most optimistic scenario. However, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the absence could extend to six weeks, depending on how quickly the quarterback regains his ability to grip the football effectively.
The injury occurred late in the game against the Minnesota Vikings during an improvised fourth-down-and-13 play as Mayfield scrambled to escape pressure. His throwing hand struck Blake Cashman. A magnetic resonance imaging exam performed Monday revealed no additional structural damage to the thumb or its tendon, though Mayfield did receive stitches that are scheduled to be removed soon. It was corroborated that neither ligaments nor tendons were damaged during the impact.
Tampa Bay keeps injured star off injured reserve
Despite the possibility of a multi-week absence exceeding four weeks, the Buccaneers have not placed Mayfield on the injured reserve list and currently do not plan to do so. The franchise is betting on his history of playing through pain. Mayfield has never missed a start since joining Tampa Bay and played through 10 separate appearances on the injury report across 18 weeks last season. During his tenure with the Cleveland Browns, he played through severe rib and left-hand injuries before being replaced by DeShaun Watson.
With Mayfield out of the lineup, the offense turns to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. Daniels won the backup job during training camp over Jake Browning, who had signed a one-year contract featuring $400,000 in guaranteed money. Daniels’ ascension marks the first time a rookie quarterback will start a game this season. None of the 10 quarterbacks selected in the recent NFL draft—including Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, Cole Payton, Taylen Green, Athan Kaliakmanis, Behren Morton, and Garrett Nussmeier—have been named a starter for a game yet this season.
Green Bay matchup sets immediate test for rookie quarterback
Daniels is slated to start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. His only regular-season action to date came last week against Minnesota, where he completed zero of three pass attempts and threw one interception.
Behind Daniels, Easton Stick will serve as his backup. The Buccaneers also added veteran Brett Rypien to the practice squad this week, though the coaching staff has not indicated plans to give him the ball.
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