After falling to 0-3, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season could get even worse after starting quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered an injury on Sunday. In Week 3, Mayfield and the Buccaneers were searching for their first win of the season against the Minnesota Vikings but lost 23-16 at home. Mayfield threw for 217 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, and unfortunately dislocated his right thumb during the game.
According to ESPN and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield would undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of his injury. Rapoport reported that Mayfield is expected to miss time. Tampa Bay's starting quarterback suffered his injury late in the fourth quarter while throwing the ball.
Vikings defender Blake Cashman hit Mayfield as he threw, bending the quarterback's right thumb backward at an unnatural angle,. The Bucs quarterback was visibly in pain, was heard screaming on the ground after getting hurt, and went to the locker room afterward. More news: Marcus Mariota Earns 6-Figure Bonus After Commanders’ Upset Win Over Seahawks Rookie backup quarterback Jalon Daniels replaced Mayfield for the remainder of the game, but he had only three pass attempts and threw an interception in his brief appearance.
Their season seemingly went from bad to worse, with Mayfield expected to miss time, especially considering he has typically been durable throughout his career. Things already looked bleak for the Buccaneers, who are winless through three games after tying for the division lead last season but missing the NFL Playoffs due to a tiebreaker. Before this year's campaign, Mayfield played in all 17 games each for the Buccaneers in 2024 and 2025.
He set multiple career highs in 2024 and had just signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with Tampa Bay earlier this month. Amid the early disappointing losses, some critics suggested Mayfield wasn't truly worth the money the Buccaneers are paying him. Sunday's Washington Commanders victory may have put the spotlight on backups leading teams to wins after the starters are hurt.
Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow last week, with Marcus Mariota replacing him, then starting in Week 3 and guiding the Commanders to a surprising 33-31 upset of the Seattle Seahawks. The Buccaneers may be forced to rely on their inexperienced rookie Daniels unless they find another suitable option. Daniels played at Kansas and went undrafted in this year's NFL Draft before signing with Tampa Bay in May.
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