Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield failed to finish the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium after sustaining a thumb injury in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter on Sunday.
The Buccaneers lost, 23-16, falling to 0-3. The Vikings, on the other hand, improved to 3-0.
It appeared that Mayfield got hurt after Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman attempted to block the pass. It ended up being an interception. The 31-year-old signal-caller screamed in pain as he walked off the field.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the initial prognosis for Mayfield is not good.
“Bucs QB Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb, per coach Todd Bowles. MRI tomorrow. But likely to miss time,” wrote Rapoport on X.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb, per coach Todd Bowles. MRI tomorrow. But likely to miss time. pic.twitter.com/U5jZKK1oQ8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2026
The veteran star went 17-of-34 for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was sacked six times.
Mayfield's extended absence will only compound the woes of the Buccaneers, who have looked anemic and stagnant. He signed a 3-year, $165 million contract extension in the offseason.
In a report from the Associated Press' Rob Maaddi, Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. acknowledged that Mayfield's thumb injury “looks bleak.”
“It's not ideal. Definitely not the start we wanted, and we never want to lose (Mayfield), but that's where we are right now, and the reality is we have to pull ourselves out of this hole,” said Godwin.
Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan was also forced to exit the game in the first quarter due to a knee injury.
Tampa Bay will host the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.