The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 23-16 in their Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings, marking their third consecutive defeat to open the 2026 NFL season.
That said, Tampa Bay's bigger loss during the game was that of its starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who exited the game late with a thumb injury.
Mayfield was injured on the Buccaneers' penultimate drive and was unable to return to the game. Now, it looks like he is in legitimate danger of missing his first start with Tampa Bay after starting 57 consecutive games, postseason included, since signing with the franchise ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Here's everything to know about Mayfield's injury and when he may return to the field for the Buccaneers.
How long is Baker Mayfield out?
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said
Mayfield will miss "a minimum of three weeks" with the injury, seemingly avoiding an IR stint. According to multiple reports, an MRI revealed no fracture and no ligament or tendon damage to the thumb.
What happened to Baker Mayfield?
Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb injury in the Buccaneers' Week 3 game against the Vikings.
Mayfield's injury occurred during a fourth-and-13 play late in the fourth quarter. He was desperately scrambling back in the hopes of an open receiver but failed to do so as three Vikings converged on him.
Mayfield was able to get off a last-ditch heave that fell incomplete well short of the line to gain, but he hit his right thumb hard against Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman on the play. The 31-year-old quarterback's thumb bent awkwardly as a result of that contact, and he immediately doubled over in pain, grabbing at his throwing hand.
Below is a full look at the play that left Mayfield injured.
Mayfield remained down on the field following the play and received medical attention. He was eventually able to walk off the field under his own power but was seen clutching his right hand. He did not return to the game for Tampa Bay's final drive.
Baker Mayfield injury update
The Buccaneers did not provide an official status update on Mayfield during their game against the Vikings since he was injured so late during it.
That said, Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles told reporters after the game Mayfield had suffered a dislocated thumb.
"He's going to get an MRI tomorrow just to see exactly what inside is wrong with it," Bowles said during his postgame news conference. "So, we'll know more tomorrow."
The silver lining? Bowles also revealed X-rays of Mayfield's injury did not show a break of the quarterback's thumb.
Nonetheless, Bowles wasn't yet willing after the game to provide a timeline for Mayfield's return to action.
Who is the Buccaneers' backup QB?
Jalon Daniels is the Buccaneers' backup quarterback. The undrafted rookie from Kansas won the top backup job after a preseason competition with Jake Browning.
Daniels made his NFL debut in relief of Mayfield at the end of the Buccaneers' Week 3 loss to the Vikings. He was tasked with mounting a last-minute comeback but failed to complete any of his three pass attempts while tossing an interception on a Hail Mary at the end of the game.
Daniels spent parts of six seasons at Kansas and demonstrated dual-threat ability throughout his career. During his final season, he completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,531 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 404 yards and four touchdowns on 117 carries, a figure that includes sacks.
Buccaneers QB depth chart
The Buccaneers have three quarterbacks in their organization but just two on their 53-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order within their quarterback room.
- Baker Mayfield
- Jalon Daniels
- Easton Stick (practice squad)
Stick will likely be called up from the practice squad with Mayfield out of action. The 31-year-old has a 0-4 record in four career starts and has completed 64% of his passes for 1,133 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
It isn't clear whether the Buccaneers will add another quarterback to their organization with Mayfield sidelined.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long is Baker Mayfield out? Latest updates on Buccaneers QB's thumb injury
