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News

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

Baker Mayfield set for Monday thumb stitch removal in return bid

The Buccaneers quarterback will have stitches removed from his thumb Monday as he tries to beat the estimated three-week timeline for return.

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

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will have stitches removed from his thumb on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The procedure is a key step in his effort to return sooner than the initial three-week timeline.

What happened

Mayfield is currently listed as out with a thumb injury. He has missed playing time, but the team has not provided a detailed diagnosis. The scheduled stitch removal suggests the healing process is progressing as hoped.

According to Pelissero, Mayfield is pushing to beat the three-week timeline for returning. The report did not specify a target game or practice participation date.

Context

Mayfield has been Tampa Bay’s clear starter when healthy. In the 2026 season, he has played 98% of offensive snaps over the first three weeks, throwing for 615 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions, plus 65 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His role as QB1 makes his recovery timeline critical for the offense.

The Buccaneers have not named a fill-in starter for the games Mayfield has missed. No backup quarterback usage was reported in the source data for this update.

What’s next

The next checkpoint is Monday’s stitch removal. After that, Mayfield’s ability to grip and throw the football will likely determine his return date. The team has not announced a practice plan for the upcoming week.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is scheduled to have stitches removed from his thumb Monday — an important step as he pushes to beat the three-week timeline for returning. More in The Sweep:

🏈 Fantasy impact

Mayfield remains a hold in all formats where viable quarterback depth is needed. The stitch removal is positive news, but managers should not assume an immediate return — grip strength and pain tolerance after the procedure are major unknowns. If Mayfield misses more time, the Tampa Bay passing game takes a hit, though no specific backup has been identified in this update. Monitor Monday’s report and any practice participation later in the week. For now, keep Mayfield stashed and look for streaming options only if your league waivers are thin.

Quick answers

When is Baker Mayfield expected to return from his thumb injury?

He is pushing to beat the three-week timeline, with a key step being the removal of stitches on Monday.

How has Baker Mayfield performed this season?

Through Week 3, Mayfield has thrown for 615 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions, plus 65 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Sources

  1. Player data (Sleeper)
  2. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is scheduled to have stitches removed from his thumb Monday — an important step as he pushes to beat the three-week timeline for returning. More in The Sweep: (X (@TomPelissero))

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