Baker Mayfield Injury Nightmare: Buccaneers Star Facing Up to Six Weeks Out With Dislocated Thumb

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without Baker Mayfield for at least three weeks after the quarterback suffered a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand.

Mayfield sustained the painful injury late in Tampa Bay’s defeat to the Minnesota Vikings last week, leaving the Buccaneers facing another major challenge after their disappointing start to the season.

The quarterback could potentially remain sidelined for as long as six weeks, with his return dependent on how quickly he can regain a secure grip on the football.

MRI Provides Some Relief

Although the injury initially appeared severe, Mayfield has avoided the worst-case scenario.

An MRI performed the day after the Vikings game showed no additional damage to the ligaments or tendons in his thumb.

Mayfield required stitches to close the wound caused by the dislocation, with those stitches expected to be removed soon.

However, because the injury affects his throwing hand, the Buccaneers have accepted that he will need time away from the field.

Buccaneers Opt Against Injured Reserve

Tampa Bay has decided not to place Mayfield on injured reserve, suggesting the franchise remains hopeful that he can return closer to the shorter end of his recovery timetable.

Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks, although the absence could extend to six weeks depending on his ability to grip and throw the football effectively.

The decision keeps open the possibility of an earlier return if Mayfield progresses quickly.

Undrafted Rookie Given His NFL Chance

With Mayfield unavailable, the Buccaneers have turned to former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels.

The undrafted rookie won the backup quarterback competition during preseason, beating out Jake Browning for the role.

Daniels joined Tampa Bay on a contract that guaranteed his full $247,500 practice squad salary and included a $25,000 signing bonus.

His promotion now gives him an opportunity few rookies receive so early in their NFL careers.

Daniels Set to Make History

Daniels will become the first rookie quarterback to start an NFL game this season when he takes the field for Tampa Bay.

Easton Stick will serve as his backup for Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

For Daniels, the opportunity represents the realisation of a lifelong ambition.

“I don’t even know if I can put it into words,” Daniels said ahead of his first start.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s a dream come true to even play for an NFL organization. To be able to go out there and have my first NFL start, it means everything.”

Bowles Backs His Young Quarterback

Despite the difficult circumstances, Bowles has expressed confidence in Daniels’ ability to handle the responsibility.

The Buccaneers head coach said Daniels simply needs to perform the same way that earned him a place on the roster.

Bowles urged the rookie to work through his reads, make his throws and focus on playing his natural game.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring Daniels is comfortable with the offensive plays Tampa Bay gives him.

Buccaneers Desperate for First Win

The timing of Mayfield’s injury could hardly be worse for Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers enter Week 4 with an 0-3 record and are already under pressure to turn their season around.

“For us, it’s just trying to get a win,” Bowles said.

“Everybody has to do their job.”

The team will now attempt to end its winless run without the quarterback who was expected to lead the offence.

Difficult Schedule Awaits Tampa Bay

Mayfield is expected to miss several important games while recovering from the thumb injury.

After Sunday’s game against Green Bay, the Buccaneers travel to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 before hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.

Those games are also expected to take place without Mayfield if he follows the current recovery timeline.

Tampa Bay will then hope the quarterback can return in time for crucial NFC South games against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7 and Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.

Playoff Hopes Already Under Pressure

The Buccaneers have little room for error after their 0-3 opening to the campaign.

With Mayfield unavailable for at least the next three weeks, Tampa Bay must find a way to start winning games before the gap in the playoff race becomes too difficult to overcome.

Daniels now carries the immediate responsibility of trying to change the team’s fortunes, while the Buccaneers wait for their starting quarterback to regain full use of his throwing hand.