Baker Mayfield Expected to Miss 3-6 Weeks With Thumb Dislocation

Baker Mayfield is sidelined for at least three weeks after an MRI confirmed a dislocated right thumb that required stitches.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to miss three to six weeks due to a dislocated right thumb, sources told ESPN. While head coach Todd Bowles confirmed a minimum three-week absence, the recovery timeline depends on how quickly the two-time Pro Bowler can grip a football. A Monday MRI revealed no damage to the thumb ligament or tendon, though Mayfield required stitches to close a wound caused by the dislocation.

Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, becoming the first rookie quarterback to start an NFL game this season. The former Kansas player, who signed with a $25,000 bonus and a guaranteed $247,500 practice squad salary, beat out Jake Browning for the backup role during training camp. Daniels previously went 0-for-3 passing across four snaps during a Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Easton Stick will serve as the primary backup for the 0-3 Buccaneers this weekend, while veteran Brett Rypien joined the practice squad as additional depth.

Tampa Bay opted not to place Mayfield on injured reserve, a move that would have mandated a four-game absence. The team is currently prioritizing his return for a Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers or a Week 8 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Before those divisional contests, the Buccaneers face the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night in Week 5 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.