Baker Mayfield thumb injury — Baker Mayfield expects to be back under center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, ending a three-game absence caused by a dislocated right thumb. The quarterback said Thursday that the thumb has improved gradually and that he plans to wear a special glove in the game, the same glove he has used in practice.
How the injury happened
Mayfield dislocated the thumb in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. The injury occurred on a fourth-down pass that was intercepted, when his hand hit Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman. Mayfield said the injury involved ligament damage, but surgery was not needed on the affected ligaments and tendons. He said he needed time for the ligaments to heal.
The thumb is on his throwing hand, making the recovery especially important for a quarterback. Mayfield had hoped to return against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week but was not ready to play. Tampa Bay lost 26-19 in overtime after leading 16-3 in the fourth quarter.
Daniels filled in for three starts
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels started the past three games in Mayfield’s place, going 1-2. Daniels led a win at Dallas on Oct. 8, but against Pittsburgh he threw two fourth-quarter interceptions that led to two field goals. For the season, Daniels has three touchdowns and five interceptions with a 63.4 passer rating.
Mayfield had not missed a start since joining Tampa Bay in 2023. Before the season, he signed a three-year, $165 million extension. He was the No. 1 overall pick by Cleveland in 2018.
Buccaneers offense looks for a reset
Tampa Bay is 1-5 and last in the NFC South. The Buccaneers started 0-3 with Mayfield this season, their worst start since 2014. In his limited action, Mayfield has two touchdown passes and two interceptions, three lost fumbles and 13 sacks.
Mayfield said the offense was not doing the small things correctly and that players were overthinking. He also said the offensive line is playing better and that the offense needs to be on the same page.
The Panthers are 3-2 entering the game. For Tampa Bay, Mayfield’s return is intended to stabilize an offense that has struggled behind a poor offensive line early in the season. The Buccaneers will look to get back on track against a Carolina team that has started well.
