The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have endured a highly disappointing start to the 2026 NFL season. After losing in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Buccaneers fell to 1-5 on the season.
Currently in last place in the NFC South, Tampa Bay has dealt with instability at quarterback. Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Buccaneers in September, but he has missed the last three games with a dislocated thumb. In his absence, Tampa Bay turned to undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels to lead the offense.
While Daniels has overperformed for an undrafted rookie thrust into a starting spot, the offense has sputtered and desperately needs Mayfield to return healthy if Tampa Bay is going to turn the season around.
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The Buccaneers’ offense has been held under 20 points in two of Daniels’ three starts. With a Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers approaching, Mayfield’s status has become one of the biggest questions ahead of the matchup.
Mayfield will practice Wednesday, head coach Todd Bowles announced. According to Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Bowles also said, “Wednesday will be important for evaluating Baker Mayfield and his thumb.”
Although Mayfield will be back at practice on Wednesday, the team is still preparing as though Jalon Daniels will start this week against Carolina. For now, it appears Daniels is in line to start Week 7, but a successful session on Wednesday for Mayfield could change that.
Mayfield, a two-time Pro Bowler, was not off to his best start before his thumb injury in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. However, his track record with the team gives them reason to believe he can spark the offense upon his return.
In his three appearances this season, Mayfield completed 63.5% of his passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His ability to push the ball down the field would give the Tampa Bay offense something it has lacked in his absence.
The Buccaneers are 1-2 without Mayfield, and with the season already beginning to slip away at 1-5, getting their starting quarterback back in the next week is crucial if they are going to salvage the season.
More on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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