Baker Mayfield Returns for Buccaneers After Thumb Dislocation
Update: Mayfield returns Sunday at Carolina after missing three games, but Emeka Egbuka, Luke Goedeke and Antoine Winfield Jr. are out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss at least three weeks with a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, coach Todd Bowles said. "It's consistent with everything we thought it was, a dislocation. Right now, we're talking about a minimum of three weeks," Bowles said.
How serious is it?
The MRI found no damage to the ligament or tendon and surgery is not needed. Mayfield stays on the 53-man roster for now. He was hurt late in Sunday's 23-16 loss to Minnesota and missed the final drive. The Buccaneers are 0-3.
Who is Jalon Daniels?
An undrafted free agent from Kansas who went 27 of 44 for 239 yards and a touchdown in the preseason. "He's played well in the preseason, he's very bright," Bowles said. He starts Sunday against Green Bay and will be the first rookie to start at quarterback for Tampa Bay since Jameis Winston in 2015. Easton Stick is on the practice squad.
Who else is hurt?
Receiver Jalen McMillan re-aggravated a PCL sprain and is likely out six to eight weeks.
How did Daniels' second start go?
Nineteen of 25 for 189 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers, including an 8-for-8 second quarter and a 64-yard pass to Tez Johnson, plus 23 rushing yards. Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 165 yards and scored twice, and Todd Bowles gave him the game ball. "Six months ago, if you would've told me that my first win would've been on a Thursday night, Prime football game, I don't know what I would've told you," Daniels said. Mayfield's stitches came out this week, he still has not thrown, and the three-week minimum stands. Tampa Bay is 1-4.
Is Mayfield back?
Possibly this week. He was a full participant Wednesday for the first time since dislocating his thumb in Week 3, wearing a glove on his right hand. "I think he's coming along fine," Bowles said, adding that he will decide Friday. Jalon Daniels is 1-2 as the starter.
Is Mayfield starting?
Yes. "It felt good for him, so it looks like he's ready to go," Todd Bowles said Friday. He will be without his top receiver, Emeka Egbuka, who is in the concussion protocol, right tackle Luke Goedeke (calf) and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (rib fracture).
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Buccaneers' Mayfield (thumb) out at least three weeks, Bowles says
- ESPN: Undrafted rookie QB Daniels savors Thursday night win vs. Cowboys
- NBC Sports: Bucs list Baker Mayfield as full participant on Wednesday
- ESPN: Baker Mayfield returns for Bucs, but WR Emeka Egbuka, RT Luke Goedeke out
Tampa Bay Buccaneers betting odds
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
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