Baker Mayfield injury update: Week 7 status uncertain (thumb)

What was shaping up as a Week 7 return for Baker Mayfield is now less of a sure thing. The Buccaneers quarterback’s right thumb remains a question mark as the team starts its prep for the Panthers, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.

What happened

Mayfield has been out for three games since he hurt his right thumb in a Week 3 loss to the Vikings. To get back this week, he’ll have to show the coaching staff he can handle practice. “He’s supposed to practice Wednesday,” head coach Todd Bowles said. The team will watch him closely and see how he does. For now, Tampa Bay is putting together its game plan with backup Jalon Daniels at quarterback, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Context

Mayfield’s 2026 season has been a mixed bag through three games. He has 615 passing yards, two touchdown passes, two interceptions and one rushing touchdown. His 37.1 PPR points work out to 12.4 per game.

Daniels has made three straight starts. The undrafted rookie has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in each of those games, with three touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also run for 126 yards. On Sunday, he completed 22 of 43 passes for 164 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 26-19 overtime loss to the Steelers. Daniels has averaged just 5.1 yards per attempt and carries a 63.3 passer rating.

Timeline

Oct. 15: Fantasy Football Desk reported Mayfield was not quite ready to return from his dislocated right thumb and Daniels was set to make his second straight start.

Oct. 16: Fantasy Football Desk reported Mayfield was out of practice again, putting his Week 6 availability in serious doubt.

Oct. 18: Fantasy Football Desk reported Mayfield was officially out for Week 6, and Daniels would make his third consecutive start.

Oct. 19: Fantasy Football Desk reported Daniels threw two interceptions in the overtime loss to the Steelers.

Mayfield has now inked a three-year deal with the Buccaneers, as reported by Pro Football Rumors, but his on-field results haven’t matched the team’s commitment. He ranks 51st among 56 quarterbacks in EPA per play. Daniels checks in at 46th.

Depth chart

Daniels is listed as Tampa Bay’s QB1 on the depth chart. He has 501 passing yards, three touchdowns, five interceptions and 126 rushing yards on the season. Easton Stick is the other healthy option at the position, though he hasn’t played this year.

What’s next

The Buccaneers face the Panthers on Sunday in an NFC South matchup. At 1-5, Tampa Bay sits in last place in the NFC.