Published October 15, 2026 11:55 AM
Though Baker Mayfield’s original timeline to return after suffering a dislocated thumb was a minimum of three weeks, the possibility of an early return was floated this week.
It now looks like that will not happen.
According to multiple reporters on the scene, Mayfield was not practicing on Thursday during the portion of the session open to media. That sets up undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels to once again start for Tampa Bay when the team plays Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Mayfield was slated to have a throwing session on Wednesday afternoon. Head coach Todd Bowles said during his press conference yesterday that the team still needed to determine whether or not Mayfield could properly grip and throw a football.
With Mayfield not practicing on Thursday, it’s an indication that he’s not quite ready to return.
Mayfield suffered the injury at the end of the Week 3 loss to the Vikings. The three-week timeline would put him potentially returning for the Week 7 divisional matchup against the Panthers.
Mayfield has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 615 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season. He’s also lost three fumbles.
Daniels has completed 69.1 percent of his throws for 337 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions, helping lead Tampa Bay to its first victory of the season over Dallas last Thursday night.
Tampa Bay’s second injury report of the week is due out later on Thursday.