Baker Mayfield badly wants to return for Bucs, but Jalon Daniels likely starts another week
A dislocated thumb has kept Mayfield out since Week 4; despite his desire to play this weekend, Jalon Daniels is expected to make a third straight start for Tampa Bay
Baker Mayfield is pushing to return, but the Buccaneers are likely headed for another week with backup Jalon Daniels under center. Mayfield has been sidelined since suffering a dislocated thumb in Tampa Bay's Week 4 loss to the Vikings, an injury that required him to miss the team's Week 5 matchup against the Saints as well.
From @gmfb: Baker Mayfield badly wants to return for the #Buccaneers but odds are it'll be Jalon Daniels at QB for one more week. Plus, the #Ravens' Lamar Jackson and the #Bears' Caleb Williams are inching back while Chicago won't have the suspended Montez Sweat.View on X →
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo): From @gmfb: Baker Mayfield badly wants to return for the #Buccaneers but odds are it'll be Jalon Daniels at QB for one more week. Plus, the #Ravens' Lamar Jackson and the #Bears' Caleb Williams are inching back while Chicago won't have the suspended Montez Sweat.
Mayfield "badly wants" to be back on the field, per those close to the situation, and has progressed through rehab. But the odds, according to sources, still favor Daniels drawing a third straight start. Todd Bowles confirmed the dislocated thumb diagnosis in late September, and the Bucs have been cautious about rushing their starter back.
Daniels has filled in capably, keeping the offense competitive despite the absence of the team's starter. Tampa Bay currently sits at 2-3 and faces a Week 6 opponent that will test whether Daniels can sustain the level of play needed to keep the Buccaneers in postseason contention.
Mayfield's return will arrive eventually; the question is whether it comes this week or after Tampa Bay's bye. Friday's final injury report should offer the clearest signal yet on whether the starter gets the green light or the team exercises another week of caution.