Baker Mayfield Injury Update: Bucs Turn to Rookie Jalon Daniels

Mayfield Sidelined with Thumb Injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss at least three weeks after dislocating his right thumb. The injury could keep him out for up to six weeks. His return depends on how quickly he can grip a football.

An MRI on Monday showed no damage to Mayfield's ligaments or tendons. Head coach Todd Bowles said the injury does not require surgery, but Mayfield did need stitches to close the wound. Those stitches will be removed soon.

The team decided not to place Mayfield on injured reserve. The Buccaneers are hoping he will return closer to the three week mark rather than missing five or six games.

Rookie Jalon Daniels Steps Up

With Mayfield out, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will start. He is the first rookie quarterback to start a game in the NFL this season.

Daniels spent six seasons at Kansas before signing with the Buccaneers. His deal included a $25,000 signing bonus and a guaranteed practice squad salary of $247,500. He won the backup job in training camp over Jake Browning, who joined the team with $400,000 guaranteed.

Bowles said he expects Daniels to 'do his job and do it at a high level that he expects from himself.' Bowles added that the rookie is 'not gonna be out there by himself, there will be 22 other guys out there helping him.'

Easton Stick will serve as the backup quarterback on Sunday. The team also signed veteran Brett Rypien to the practice squad. Daniels played four snaps last week against the Minnesota Vikings, going 0 for 3 on his pass attempts.

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 04 Oct): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 38%, Green Bay Packers win 62%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19, Green Bay Packers 21. Our safest pick: Over 31.5 points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Fri, 09 Oct): Dallas Cowboys win 77%, Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 23%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 28, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20. Our safest pick: Over 40.5 points.