The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 4 after Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb in Sunday’s 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Head coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Mayfield is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks. The injury ends a four-year stretch in which Mayfield had been Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback, with Tom Brady the last other player to open a game at the position for the club during the 2022 season.
Mayfield suffered the injury during the fourth quarter against Minnesota. On a fourth-and-1 attempt, linebacker Blake Cashman hit the quarterback as he released a pass that was intercepted. An MRI found no damage to ligaments or tendons in Mayfield’s right thumb, but his earliest possible return appears to be Week 7, when Tampa Bay visits the Carolina Panthers in an NFC South matchup.
Daniels gets first NFL start
Daniels entered Sunday’s game after Mayfield departed and completed none of his three passing attempts. His final throw was intercepted to end the game. He added 9 yards on one rush.
The 23-year-old earned the backup role over Jake Browning after a strong training camp and preseason. He joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after six seasons at Kansas, where he became the first four-time team captain in program history.
Daniels will make his first NFL start against a Packers team that enters the game at 1-2. Green Bay surrendered 35 points to the Atlanta Falcons in its most recent outing, giving the rookie a chance to provide a needed lift for a Tampa Bay offense still looking for its first victory.
Mayfield and Buccaneers off to difficult start
Tampa Bay has opened the season without a win, and Mayfield’s production through three games has reflected the team’s offensive struggles. Among quarterbacks with at least 50 pass attempts, his minus-0.30 expected points added per dropback is the lowest mark in the NFL this season.
The 31-year-old Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million extension five days before the start of the 2026 campaign. His absence now leaves the Buccaneers relying on a rookie with only three regular-season pass attempts.
Quarterback depth behind Daniels
The Buccaneers do not have another quarterback on their active 53-man roster. Easton Stick, 31, is available on the practice squad and could become a factor while Mayfield recovers.
Stick is in his seventh NFL season and started four games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Tampa Bay’s immediate focus, however, is preparing Daniels to lead the offense against Green Bay as the club tries to avoid a deeper early-season hole.
