The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should treat quarterback Baker Mayfield’s recovery from a dislocated right thumb as a Week 7 priority rather than force a Week 6 return. Mayfield did not practice Wednesday and had not yet done football-related work; coach Todd Bowles said any timetable remains speculative until the veteran throws.
Locked On Bucs host James Yarcho argued that Tampa Bay should give Mayfield another week of rest and start Jalon Daniels against Pittsburgh. The case is not about Mayfield’s toughness, Yarcho said, but whether his grip strength and velocity are fully back.
Bowles has already indicated the club plans to start rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels against the Steelers if Mayfield cannot go. Daniels has started the past two games, improving from a two-interception debut against the Green Bay Packers to a strong night in the Week 5 upset of the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels was 19-of-25 for 189 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions against the Cowboys.
That progression gives the Buccaneers a viable short-term answer while allowing Mayfield to sit until his thumb is ready. Yarcho pointed to Daniels’ mobility as a useful counter against a Steelers pass rush led by T. J. Watt, particularly if Tampa Bay’s interior protection again comes under pressure.
Daniels does not need to become Mayfield for one afternoon. He needs to protect the football, use his legs when Pittsburgh’s pressure closes in, and let the running game set the pace. That approach helped the Buccaneers beat Dallas.
Mayfield’s throwing session later this week should determine whether he can be available for Sunday. Until then, the Buccaneers can prepare Daniels for another start while preserving their veteran quarterback for the games that may define their NFC South chances.
Buccaneers News and Notes
– Yarcho questioned how offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has deployed wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, arguing that the offense relies too heavily on predictable, short throws and does not create enough intermediate opportunities for either receiver.
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