Overview
- Baker Mayfield left late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Week 3 game after his right thumb bent on a pressured fourth-and-13 throw and he was taken to the locker room while screaming in pain.
- Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed the thumb is dislocated, said initial X-rays showed no fracture, and the team scheduled an MRI to define the full diagnosis and recovery plan.
- NFL reporting said Mayfield is likely to miss time pending MRI results, with missing ligament tissue or a surgery-based repair the main factors that would extend his absence.
- Undrafted rookie backup Jalon Daniels replaced Mayfield, finished the game with a last-play Hail Mary interception, and stands as the most likely short-term starter if Mayfield is sidelined.
- The injury compounds Tampa Bay’s problems after the 23-16 loss left the Buccaneers 0-3, raises questions about next week’s game against the Packers, and puts immediate pressure on the roster and coaching staff.