Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to miss three weeks because of a thumb injury suffered late in the Buccaneers' Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The team entered the 2026 NFL season 0-3 after losses to the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Vikings.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield will be sidelined for three weeks. Bowles also told reporters that undrafted free agent Jalen Daniels will take over as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback during Mayfield's absence.
Tampa Bay's next three games are against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. The Cowboys matchup is scheduled for Thursday Night Football.
Mayfield could potentially miss additional time depending on his recovery, but the source did not provide further details about the injury. He signed a three-year, $165 million contract shortly before the season began.
