The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be preparing for another week without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, potentially giving rookie Jalon Daniels another opportunity to lead the offense.
With Mayfield continuing to recover from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, Daniels is expected to make his third consecutive start when Tampa Bay hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
According to Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud, Mayfield missed practice Thursday for the second consecutive day, making it increasingly likely that Daniels will remain under center.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport also indicated that Daniels is expected to start another game for the Buccaneers.
Although Tampa Bay has not officially ruled Mayfield out, his continued absence from practice suggests the team could take a cautious approach with its veteran quarterback. Mayfield suffered the injury during the Buccaneers' Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and has been sidelined for the team's last two games.
There had been some optimism that Mayfield could return against Pittsburgh, but his inability to participate in practice has raised questions about whether he will be ready.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles addressed the situation Wednesday, explaining that Mayfield's ability to grip and throw the football would be important in determining his availability.
"Nothing [has] changed. I mean, he's getting better. We'll see how much he throws and see how he looks," Bowles said.
Bowles also emphasized that the Buccaneers would not rush Mayfield back before he was fully healthy.
"If he's not 100%, he doesn't need to play," Bowles said.
With Mayfield's status uncertain, Daniels has another opportunity to establish himself as a reliable option for Tampa Bay. The undrafted rookie out of Kansas has started the Buccaneers' previous two games, showing improvement as he gains experience against NFL competition.
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After making his first career start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, Daniels helped Tampa Bay secure its first victory of the season against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.
The young quarterback completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception in the Buccaneers' 24-16 victory. His performance helped Tampa Bay snap its four-game losing streak and provided an encouraging sign for an offense adjusting to life without Mayfield.
Daniels also benefited from a strong rushing performance by running back Bucky Irving, who finished with a career-high 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
That balance could become even more important against Pittsburgh.
The Steelers enter Sunday's matchup with a 3-2 record and a defense featuring talented pass rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks could present a significant challenge for Daniels, particularly as he continues adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NFL.
However, his mobility gives Tampa Bay another way to attack opposing defenses.
Through his first three appearances, Daniels has completed 38 of 55 passes for 337 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also contributed 87 rushing yards.
While those numbers reflect the challenges of transitioning to the NFL, his performance against Dallas demonstrated his ability to manage the offense and make plays when needed.
For the Buccaneers, another start would provide Daniels with valuable experience while allowing Mayfield additional time to recover. The veteran quarterback remains Tampa Bay's established starter, and there has been no indication that the organization is considering a permanent change at the position.
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Before suffering the injury, Mayfield completed 63.5% of his passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
His eventual return will be important for a Buccaneers team hoping to build momentum following its first victory of the season. However, with another missed practice and Sunday's matchup approaching, the focus has shifted toward Daniels potentially receiving another opportunity.
Unless Mayfield's availability improves before game day, Tampa Bay appears likely to rely on its rookie quarterback once again.