Baker Mayfield left Tampa Bay’s 23-16 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a dislocated right thumb after a fourth-quarter hit, placing the Buccaneers’ quarterback situation in focus ahead of Monday’s medical testing.
Key takeaways
- Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield dislocated his right thumb late in Sunday’s game.
- Initial X-rays showed no fracture, and Mayfield is scheduled for an MRI on Monday.
- The injury occurred on a fourth-down passing play with Tampa Bay behind 20-16.
- Minnesota linebacker Blake Cashman delivered the hit, and Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted the pass.
- Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels took over for Tampa Bay’s final offensive possession.
Mayfield injured on decisive fourth-quarter turnover
Mayfield was attempting to keep the Buccaneers’ comeback alive when he was struck by Cashman on fourth down. His throwing hand appeared to make contact with the linebacker as he released the ball, which was picked off by Van Ginkel.
The veteran quarterback immediately went down at Raymond James Stadium and grabbed his right hand in obvious pain. He later walked off with Tampa Bay’s medical staff and headed to the locker room, leaving Daniels to finish the game.
Bowles said the club will have a clearer picture of Mayfield’s condition after the MRI. The absence of a fracture on the X-rays is an encouraging early sign, but the results of the additional examination will determine the next step for the Buccaneers.
Slow start continues for Tampa Bay quarterback
Before exiting, Mayfield completed 17 of 34 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Vikings’ takeaway on the late fourth-down play ended a key Tampa Bay opportunity while Minnesota protected its lead.
Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million extension just before the regular season began, but he has endured an uneven opening stretch through the first three games. Sunday’s performance continued that difficult start before the thumb injury cut his afternoon short.
