The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to try to earn their first win of the season without Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers because of the right thumb injury he suffered in Tampa Bay’s 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Buccaneers quarterback did not practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday before Tampa Bay made the decision official on its final injury report.
That means rookie Jalon Daniels is in line to make his first NFL start with the Buccaneers trying to avoid a 0-4 start.
The bigger question for Tampa Bay is how long Mayfield will be watching from the sideline.
Baker Mayfield Ruled Out Against Packers
Mayfield suffered the injury late in the loss to Minnesota when he was hit on his throwing hand during a fourth-down play.
The initial diagnosis provided at least one encouraging development. X-rays did not reveal a fracture, but Mayfield dislocated his right thumb and was unable to practice at all this week.
Tampa Bay officially listed him as out Friday. Mayfield is one of several Buccaneers who won’t be available against Green Bay. Outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr., tight end Ko Kieft and cornerback Benjamin Morrison also were ruled out Friday.
That leaves Daniels with a difficult assignment in his first NFL start. The undrafted rookie out of Kansas now gets an opportunity to lead a Buccaneers offense that desperately needs a spark.
When Could Baker Mayfield Return?
Tampa Bay hasn’t announced an exact return date for Mayfield, so his progress over the next couple of weeks will be important to monitor.
The Buccaneers certainly have reason to be cautious. Mayfield injured the thumb on his throwing hand, which makes his ability to grip and control the football particularly important. Even without a fracture, a dislocation can create significant issues for an NFL quarterback.
Mayfield also has become one of Tampa Bay’s most important players since joining the organization. The Buccaneers signed him to a three-year, $165 million extension, making it even more important not to rush him back before the thumb is ready.
For Sunday, there is no longer any uncertainty.
Mayfield is out. Daniels is getting his opportunity.
And Tampa Bay’s attention is already turning toward how quickly its starting quarterback can get healthy enough to take the offense back.
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