The Buccaneers’ quarterback picture is still unsettled heading into Week 6, and Baker Mayfield’s right thumb remains the biggest storyline.
Tampa Bay is set to host Pittsburgh, but Mayfield’s return is far from certain as he continues to recover from a dislocated thumb. Head coach Todd Bowles originally said Mayfield would be out at least three games, and he stuck with that expectation, saying he anticipates rookie Jalon Daniels making his third straight start.
That said, there’s a competing read on the situation. Some reports say Mayfield is pushing hard to get back sooner than the initial timeline and could even be aiming for a surprise appearance on Sunday. For now, though, nothing is settled.
On Thursday Night Football in Week 4, just days after the injury, Amazon Prime’s NFL insider James Palmer suggested Mayfield might try to shave time off Bowles’ projection.
“Don’t be surprised if Baker tries to push this and come back after two [missed games],” Palmer said.
Palmer has kept that same message alive as Week 6 approaches, and he sounded confident that the quarterback is making every effort to return.
“I'm told Mayfield is pushing to play but it's 10 days out and it's too early for the Bucs to know medically if he can go. The stitches were taken out Monday and it's a matter of his thumb healing, pain tolerance and [gripping] the football. The medical staff obviously has a big say if he goes,” wrote Palmer.
There was also a sign in Dallas during Tampa Bay’s Week 5 game that Mayfield may be trending in the right direction. Pewter Report noted that he was wearing a much less cumbersome brace on the sideline, a detail that suggests his recovery is moving along.
Mayfield’s competitive nature is part of why this situation is worth watching closely. He clearly wants to be out there, and if he’s physically able to play, he’ll want to suit up against the Steelers.
Bowles, however, still appears to be leaning toward Daniels getting another start. The bigger question is whether the Buccaneers can keep Mayfield from rushing back before he’s fully ready. If the thumb heals enough for him to grip the ball and throw without significant pain, a Week 6 return can’t be ruled out.
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