Baker Mayfield’s return timeline got a lot murkier on Sunday morning, and that’s a problem for the Buccaneers.
Mayfield will miss his third game of the season this weekend while he continues working back from the thumb injury he suffered against the Vikings. He had been moving in the right direction, which had opened the door to a possible Week 7 comeback, but that optimism took a hit when NFL Insiders reported he may still not be ready.
The report was reinforced by Mike Garafolo, who added, “Maybe, I would say maybe, but this is no sure thing. The Bucs need to see him throw.”
For now, Tampa Bay is still leaning on undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who has started the last two games. Daniels helped steady things after the team opened 0-4, then followed that up by leading the Buccaneers to an improbable win over the Cowboys last week.
That victory gave Tampa something to build on, and the team will try to carry that momentum into its Week 6 matchup against the Steelers in Tampa. Daniels has outperformed expectations so far, but the Buccaneers clearly still view this as Mayfield’s job.
That’s part of why the latest injury update matters so much. Tampa Bay put a big amount of cash into Mayfield this offseason, and the early returns have been rough.
In four games, he has thrown two touchdowns while taking 13 sacks and committing two interceptions and three fumbles. It has not looked anything like the start the Bucs were hoping for when they committed to him.
If he can’t get back next week, the timing gets even trickier. Tampa Bay is set to face Carolina, and that game could carry major weight in the division race. The Panthers enter Week 6 as co-leaders in the NFC South.
Garafolo also pointed out that this injury may be about more than just pain. If Mayfield has mechanical issues with his release, that changes the equation for a quarterback already dealing with a thumb problem. A thumb dislocation is especially tough on a passer because it is the finger that helps support the ball.
Next week’s practice will give a clearer read on where things stand. If Mayfield can throw cleanly without mechanical problems, a return becomes possible. If not, the Buccaneers may have to keep riding with Daniels a little longer - and if he has to start against the Panthers, it would be the biggest test of his young career.
In Other News...
Buccaneers Suddenly Face New Depth Concerns Ahead Of Steelers Game
The Buccaneers had to lean on their practice squad for some late-week reinforcement before facing the Steelers, elevating quarterback Easton Stick and running back Josh Williams for Week 6. It is the kind of roster shuffle that usually signals more than just routine depth, especially for a team still trying to navigate the ripple effects of Baker Mayfields dislocated thumb and the uncertainty that comes with reshuffling the depth chart on short notice.
Stick gives Tampa Bay another arm behind rookie Jalon Daniels, while Williams adds insurance in the backfield as the Bucs wait to see how Sean Tucker responds to a quad injury. For a team heading into a tough matchup, those moves underscore how quickly one injury can turn into a broader depth test, with the next layer of questions still hanging over Sundays lineup. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Face A Steelers Threat Tampa Bay Fans Should Note
Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire made it clear that Pittsburghs offensive identity is still very much a work in progress with Aaron Rodgers in the mix, and that makes Sundays matchup worth a closer look for Buccaneers fans. From Tampa Bays side, the biggest concern remains how the run game holds up behind Bucky Irving, because if the Steelers can control those early downs, it can change the whole shape of the afternoon.
Popejoy also pointed to one of the more interesting wrinkles in this meeting: special teams coordinator Danny Smith is now on Tampa Bays sideline after leaving Pittsburgh. His departure has become part of the conversation around the Steelers underwhelming special teams, and it adds another layer to a game that already has a few key matchups to watch. Popejoy leaned toward Pittsburgh in his final score prediction, so the Bucs will need cleaner execution in a hurry if they want to keep that forecast from coming true. [Read more 🡒]
Rueben Bain Jr. Addresses The Slow Start Buccaneers Fans Are Watching
Rueben Bain Jr. finally offered a little public perspective on the start Buccaneers fans have been watching, and it sounded like a young pass rusher trying to stay steady through the early bumps. The first-round pick has dealt with a slow opening stretch, spending time out of the lineup while working through shoulder and groin injuries, and his early production has been limited as he gets back into rhythm.
Even so, Bain said he feels optimistic about where things are heading and was encouraged to be part of Tampa Bays first win of the season. For a defense that counted on him to bring energy off the edge, the bigger picture remains the same: the Bucs need the version of Bain they envisioned when they made him a premium pick, and hes still trying to get there on his own timeline. [Read more 🡒]