Jan 4, 1986; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; An NFL logo during the 1985 AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the and the Cleveland Browns at the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-Imagn Images
Star NFL Quarterback Suffers Excruciating Injury, Will Miss Numerous Games 1
Week three of the 2026 NFL Season is coming to a close with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears squaring off on Monday Night Football. Coincidentally, the Bears are one of the numerous teams missing their starting quarterback going into week three. However, it is a different NFC team who will be without their quarterback for the near future.
Here are the details.
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Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; An NFL football with the Crucial Catch logo lies on the turf during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn ImagesOct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; An NFL football with the Crucial Catch logo lies on the turf during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; An NFL football with the Crucial Catch logo lies on the turf during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
NFL Quarterback Suffers Devastating Hand Injury
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some tough news this week, as quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to miss at least the next three weeks with a thumb injury, according to head coach Todd Bowles. It’s a tough blow for a team that has relied heavily on Mayfield during big moments.
Mayfield has built a reputation throughout his career as one of the NFL’s toughest players, often finding ways to stay on the field despite bumps and bruises. This injury, however, is significant enough to force him to the sidelines. Losing your starting quarterback is never ideal, but losing one who has become the heartbeat of the offense makes the challenge even greater.
The Buccaneers now face an important stretch of the season without the player who has been directing the offense every week. Tampa Bay will need others to step up, from the offensive line to the running game and receiving corps. The offense may look a little different over the next few weeks as the coaching staff tries to ease the burden on whoever takes over under center.
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
For Mayfield, the focus turns to recovery. The good news for Tampa Bay is that the injury does not appear to be season-ending, and the team hopes to have its starting quarterback back before the stretch run. Until then, the Buccaneers will simply be trying to keep themselves in position while they wait for their leader to return.
There’s no question this is a setback, but if there’s one thing Mayfield has shown throughout his career, it’s resilience. The Buccaneers will be hoping that same resilience helps him make a quick recovery and get back on the field as soon as possible. In the meantime, Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes may depend on how well they can weather the storm without him.