Bad news for Tampa Bay fans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield for at least three weeks after he dislocated his right thumb during Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Monday that Mayfield is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of three weeks. The injury occurred late in Tampa Bay’s 23-16 loss to Minnesota at Raymond James Stadium, when Mayfield’s throwing hand struck Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman as he attempted a pass.

There was some encouraging news for Tampa Bay following additional testing. An MRI showed no fracture and no ligament damage, meaning the injury was not as severe as it initially could have been.

Mayfield’s absence will end an impressive run of 57 consecutive starts for the Buccaneers. He had not missed a start since joining Tampa Bay in 2023.

Now the Buccaneers will turn to rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, who will make his first NFL start when Tampa Bay hosts the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 4.

The injury comes at a difficult moment for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have started the season 0-3, making the next several games without their veteran starting quarterback particularly important.

Mayfield’s recovery will be closely watched over the coming weeks as Tampa Bay waits to see when its starting quarterback can return to the field.

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