Fantasy Football DeskNFL news with the fantasy impact, fast.
  1. Final/OTSEA14DEN17
  2. FinalHOU34JAX31
  3. FinalCHI31ATL23
  4. FinalBAL10CLE13
  5. FinalTEN26IND20
  6. FinalNYJ19NE26
  7. FinalNO34NYG27
  8. FinalCAR25PHI14
  9. Final/OTPIT26TB19
  10. FinalARI18LAR16
  11. FinalLAC6KC22
  12. FinalBUF33LV30
  13. FinalDAL13GB23
  14. Mon 8:15 PMWASSF
  15. All games →
News

Newer update on Baker Mayfield: Baker Mayfield injury update: out for Week 6 vs. Steelers (right thumb)

Baker Mayfield dislocated thumb could sideline QB beyond 3 weeks

Bucs QB's grip may delay return up to six weeks, per ESPN report.

By Cole Hartwell
Baker Mayfield
Photo: Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0 (cropped) via Wikimedia Commons · License

Baker Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks with a dislocated thumb, but his absence could extend up to six weeks depending on his ability to grip the football, according to ESPN. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback is currently listed as out for Week 4.

What happened

Mayfield suffered the thumb injury in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. An MRI on Monday revealed no additional damage and the injury is not expected to require surgery. However, his return timeline hinges on regaining full grip strength, which could push his recovery beyond the initial three-week projection.

The Buccaneers have not placed Mayfield on injured reserve. According to the report, the team faces an internal decision if his recovery extends beyond the one-month mark.

Context

Mayfield had a strong 2025 season, but he struggled across three starts in 2026. He completed 63.5% of his passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions while the Buccaneers opened 0-3. In Week 3, he was sacked six times and hit repeatedly, prompting former tight end Rob Gronkowski to criticize his tendency to hold onto the ball too long. “He’s trying to break too many tackles,” Gronkowski said on CBS Sports.

Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will make his first career start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Daniels said Mayfield has offered advice during practice, encouraging him to stay composed and “play as yourself.”

What’s next

The Buccaneers host the Packers in Week 4 with Daniels under center. Mayfield’s earliest possible return appears to be Week 7, but if grip issues persist, he could be out until Week 10. A decision on injured reserve could come if his recovery extends beyond four weeks.

🏈 Fantasy impact

Mayfield’s absence significantly lowers the fantasy ceiling for Tampa Bay’s pass catchers. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin drop to low-end WR2/flex options with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback. Daniels is not a recommended fantasy starter outside of deep superflex leagues. Fantasy managers should stash Mayfield if roster space allows, but if his recovery extends to six weeks, he may only be worth holding in 2QB formats. Monitor practice reports for grip strength updates before trusting him in lineups. The Buccaneers’ offense may lean more on the running game, though no specific back has emerged as a clear beneficiary.

Quick answers

How long is Baker Mayfield out with his thumb injury?

At least three weeks, but possibly up to six weeks depending on his grip strength, according to ESPN.

Who is the Buccaneers' starting quarterback in Week 4?

Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will start against the Green Bay Packers.

Sources

  1. Player data (Sleeper)
  2. Baker Mayfield injury update: Dislocated thumb could sideline Bucs' QB longer than expected (CBS Sports)

This article was drafted by AI from the sources above and published after every claim passed an automatic check against those sources. Our editor monitors stories and corrects errors. How we work · Report an error