We've already heard -- and passed along -- that the Buccaneers expect QB Baker Mayfield to miss three weeks with his dislocated right thumb. But that appears to be the short end of his return window. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Mayfield is expected to miss "anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on how quickly he is able to grip the football."
What They're Saying
Schefter: "At this point, it's hard to predict when that will be, but three weeks without Mayfield is the Bucs' best hope."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Bucs Passing Game Could Be Shaky for a Month or More
The Bucs have elected not to place their QB on IR, which signals that they're hoping to only lose him for three games. But it doesn't necessarily mean they know he'll return by that fourth game.
We'll have to track updates on Mayfield's status. He has historically been the type of player who tries to power through injuries, but it's tough to play QB if you can't appropriately grip the football.
The injury will also add risk upon Mayfield's initial return, so don't expect to find him in starter territory of our weekly rankings for the first game back.
Undrafted QB Jalon Daniels will become the first of the 2026 rookie QBs to start a game today against the Packers. We'll see how he impacts Buc pass catchers.
