Overview
- Baker Mayfield remains sidelined after dislocating his right thumb in Week 3 and will not play against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking his third straight missed game.
- Team medical exams found no additional structural damage and Mayfield has had stitches removed, but his ability to grip and throw the ball is still the key factor for any return.
- Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will start again for Tampa Bay after leading the Buccaneers to a 24-16 upset over the Dallas Cowboys in his second career start.
- Coaches say they will make a status decision early in the week based on throwing and grip tests with the aim of having Mayfield available for the Week 7 game versus the Carolina Panthers if cleared.
- Daniels’s unexpected early success changes Tampa Bay’s short-term plan by giving the team a viable game option while raising questions about roster and game-plan choices should Mayfield’s absence extend.