Baker Mayfield's screams could be heard on the TV broadcast Sunday after the Buccaneers quarterback dislocated his right thumb during a 23-16 loss to the Vikings.
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Mayfield was rolling to his right and throwing downfield when his throwing hand struck Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman. His pass was intercepted, and he fell to the turf in obvious pain.
Baker Mayfield injured on this play. Screaming in pain#MINvsTB pic.twitter.com/mL5GvYzGjh
— crunchypuddle (@crunchypuddle1) September 27, 2026
An MRI showed no ligament damage or fracture, but Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks, per OutKick.
"It could be, possibly, sooner," Bowles said. "We'll know how it goes."
That leaves Tampa Bay turning to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. The former Kansas quarterback took over for Mayfield late Sunday and went 0-for-3 with an interception. Bowles said Daniels will start next week against the Packers.
Coach Todd Bowles estimated that QB Baker Mayfield will be out three weeks with his injury. https://t.co/AVQheEODlX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2026
"He's going to be like every other rookie, but he's played well in the preseason. He's very bright," Bowles said. "He's not going to be out there by himself. There'll be 22 other guys out there helping him out."
Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million extension before the season. The Buccaneers are now 0-3, their worst start since 2014, and will try to earn their first win with Daniels making his first NFL start.
