Mayfield Out 3-6 Weeks, Rookie Daniels to Start for Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss at least three weeks, and potentially up to six, after dislocating his right thumb during the team's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The injury, which occurred late in the game, required stitches and has placed the Buccaneers' season in jeopardy.

An MRI revealed no additional ligament or tendon damage, but the severity of the injury on his throwing hand necessitates a recovery period. Head coach Todd Bowles indicated that Mayfield's return will depend on his ability to regain grip strength.

With Mayfield sidelined, the Buccaneers will start undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback against the Green Bay Packers. Daniels, formerly of Kansas, secured the backup position during preseason and will become the first rookie quarterback to start a game this season. Easton Stick will serve as Daniels' backup.

Daniels, who joined the Buccaneers on a deal that guaranteed his practice squad salary and included a signing bonus, expressed his excitement for the opportunity. "It's a dream come true," Daniels said. "To be able to go out there and have my first NFL start, it means everything."

Coach Bowles expressed confidence in Daniels, stating, "The same confidence that he made the team with. Just going out there, performing, doing his job and being him, going through his reads and making throws and playing football."

Mayfield's absence comes at a critical time for the 0-3 Buccaneers, who are seeking their first win of the season. Following the game against Green Bay, Tampa Bay is scheduled to play the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team hopes Mayfield could potentially return for NFC South matchups against the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons in Weeks 7 and 8, but significant improvement is needed to revive their playoff hopes.