Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield
What Buccaneers' Backup Plan Looks Like as Baker Mayfield Awaits Thumb MRI 1
Baker Mayfield has pulled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers through plenty of tough moments since arriving in 2023. Sunday brought a new kind of test. Tampa Bay dropped to 0-3 after a 23-16 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings, its third straight one-score defeat. Late in that game, one scramble changed the outlook for the entire quarterback room, and the answers will shape Tampa Bay’s next few weeks.
Baker Mayfield thumb injury deepens Buccaneers’ struggles
Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb with 1:54 left in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay trailed 20-16 and faced fourth-and-13 when the quarterback fled the pocket, retreated more than 20 yards and launched a desperate throw.
His throwing hand clipped the arm of Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman on the follow-through, and Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted the pass.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker MayfieldTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; 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. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Mayfield stayed down in obvious pain before walking to the locker room. He left the stadium with his right hand wrapped in an ice bag and did not speak to reporters. Before exiting, he had thrown for 217 yards and a touchdown on 17-of-34 passing.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bowles confirmed the dislocation and an MRI.
“He’ll get an MRI tomorrow just to see exactly what inside is wrong with it, so we’ll know tomorrow.” Todd Bowles told reporters.
The coach added that X-rays showed no fracture, though the MRI will give a clearer picture of ligament and soft tissue damage. A recovery timeline will come after those results. Receiver Jalen McMillan will also have an MRI on his left knee.
With Mayfield’s status uncertain, Tampa Bay may have to lean on a rookie who has barely played.
Jalon Daniels could get first start as Mayfield’s status stays uncertain
Rookie Jalon Daniels entered when Mayfield left and played the final snaps, ending the game with an interception on a desperation attempt. That short stretch could lead to his first start in Week 4, a home game against the Packers.
With the undrafted Kansas product beat out veteran Jake Browning for the backup job during the preseason. He is now the only other quarterback on the roster, with Easton Stick on the practice squad.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker MayfieldTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, the timing is awkward for Mayfield. He signed a three-year, $165 million extension just before the season opener, yet the offense has struggled to protect him and he has been sacked 13 times through three games.
Daniels went 0-for-3 through the air against Minnesota, so a full week of preparation would be his first real chance to show what he can do.
The Buccaneers are winless through three games for the first time since 2014, while Minnesota improved to 3-0. Next comes a 1 p.m. home game on October 4 against the Green Bay Packers, who sit at 1-2 after a 35-14 loss to Atlanta.
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