Baker Mayfield will miss his third game of the season on Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' QB tries to get back on the field after injuring his thumb against the Vikings.
Mayfield has been trending upward, but he didn't make it back onto the field this week. That has left many believing that he could return in Week 7. On Sunday morning, the NFL Insiders reported that Mayfield may not be ready despite the positive progression.
The Insiders on @nflgameday Kickoff with @MikeGarafolo: #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely; #Patriots WB AJ Brown is back; The #Cowboys add to their D once again; #Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is up in the air for next week; #Bears QB Caleb Williams returns. pic.twitter.com/GqWhE2hRvp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2026
Mike Garafolo throws cold water on a potential Week 7 Baker Mayfield return for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have been relying on undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who has started the last two games. After the team started 0-4, Daniels led the team to an improbable victory over the Cowboys last week.
Tampa is hoping that the win will build up the team's confidence. They play the Steelers in Tampa in Week 6. Daniels has been playing better than expected, but this is Mayfield's team.
The Buccaneers invested a large amount of cash in the QB this past offseason, and so far he hasn't delivered. Through his four games, he posted two touchdowns, 13 sacks, 2 interceptions, and three fumbles. Not exactly the start of the new Mayfield-era that fans were hoping for.
If Mayfield is not able to go next week, it would not be ideal. The Bucs will face a tough division opponent, Carolina, in a game that they likely must win to keep pace in the division race. The Panthers are co-leaders in the NFC South entering Week 6.
"Maybe, I would say maybe, but this is no sure thing. The Bucs need to see him throw."MIke Garofolo
Next week's practice will tell fans more. If Mayfield can get back on the field and throw without mechanical issues, he could get back on the field. The problem, as Garofolo points out, is that there may be more to this injury than pain. If there are mechanical issues with his release, Mayfield isn't going to be able to play at a high level, and the Buccaneers can't afford to go through what they did in the first four weeks with a healthy Mayfield.
Unlike other finger dislocations, a thumb dislocation presents unique problems for a quarterback, as it is the digit that supports the ball most.
The good news through all of this is that Daniels is getting better. He looked good against the Cowboys and should perform well against the Steelers in Week 6. If he has to start against the Panthers a week from now, it will be the biggest test of his young career.
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