Baker Mayfield has been a key part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense since joining the team in 2023, starting 57 consecutive games before an injury interrupted his run. The veteran quarterback has been working to return as Tampa Bay navigates a difficult start to the 2026 NFL season.
The Buccaneers face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, hoping to build on their first win of the season. However, they will once again have to do so without their starting quarterback.
With Mayfield sidelined for a third consecutive game, concerns continue to grow about his recovery and the possibility of a return next week.
Baker Mayfield Is Out Against the Steelers With a Thumb Injury
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Mayfield has been ruled out of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 6 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of a dislocated right thumb on his throwing hand. He suffered the injury late in Tampa Bay’s Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 27.
An MRI confirmed the dislocation but found no fracture or tendon tear. Head coach Todd Bowles initially said Mayfield would miss at least three weeks, and the quarterback has now been ruled out for three straight games.
Mayfield did not participate in practice on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Bowles confirmed that Mayfield was not ready to play.
Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will make his third consecutive start in Mayfield’s absence. Daniels helped Tampa Bay secure its first victory of the season against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.
Baker Mayfield Could Return Against the Panthers in Week 7
There is some optimism that Mayfield could return when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported that a return next week is possible, but the team has not confirmed any date.
The main obstacle remains Mayfield’s ability to grip and throw the football normally. Although he has resumed throwing, swelling in his thumb has affected his throwing motion.
Bowles said Friday that it was too early to determine whether Mayfield would be available against Carolina. He added that he would feel encouraged when the quarterback returned to practice.
Mayfield’s status for Week 7 will depend on how his thumb responds during the coming week.
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