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SFNewer update on Baker Mayfield: Baker Mayfield injury update: out for Week 6 vs. Steelers (right thumb)
Jalon Daniels: What to know about the rookie QB filling in for Baker Mayfield
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will start for the Buccaneers on Thursday night against the Cowboys with Baker Mayfield out.
Jalon Daniels will make his second NFL start on Thursday night when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Dallas Cowboys. Starter Baker Mayfield remains out with a thumb injury suffered in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Daniels, an undrafted rookie, won Tampa Bay’s backup quarterback job over Jake Browning during the preseason. In Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers, he completed 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown, adding 55 rushing yards on eight carries. Two interceptions and three sacks contributed to a 17-14 Buccaneers loss.
What happened
Mayfield suffered the thumb injury late in Tampa Bay’s Week 3 loss to Minnesota. He was ruled out for Week 4 and has been ruled out again for Week 5 against Dallas. Daniels started in his place in Week 4 and is expected to remain the starter for Thursday night.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Daniels showed poise in his first start but must clean up mistakes. According to Buccaneers Wire, Bowles specifically wants Daniels to reduce turnovers against Dallas.
Context
Daniels is 23 years old and played 98% of snaps in Week 4 after seeing just 6% of snaps in Week 3. For the season, he has 148 passing yards, one touchdown pass, three interceptions, and 64 rushing yards across two games. The Buccaneers are 0-4 and have seen their point total decline every week.
Baker Mayfield, 31, has been the Buccaneers’ starter for eight NFL seasons. Through three games in 2026, he has 615 passing yards, two touchdown passes, two interceptions, and 65 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown.
What’s next
The Buccaneers play the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football in Week 5. Mayfield’s timeline for return is not specified, but he is expected to miss several more weeks. Daniels will have additional opportunities to establish himself as the starter.
🏈 Fantasy impact
Daniels is not a recommended fantasy starter in Week 5 despite a favorable matchup on paper against Dallas. He has thrown three interceptions in limited action and Tampa Bay’s offense has scored fewer points each week. The rushing ability adds a small floor, but the risk is too high for most lineups. In 1QB leagues, leave him on waivers unless you are desperate in a superflex format. Mayfield should remain stashed in IR spots where available, as he is expected to return within several weeks. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans see a downgrade in consistency with Daniels under center, though volume should keep them in starting consideration. The Cowboys defense becomes a streaming option against an error-prone rookie quarterback.
Quick answers
Is Jalon Daniels a good fantasy start in Week 5?
No. Despite a favorable matchup against Dallas, Daniels has thrown three interceptions in limited action and Tampa Bay's offense is declining, making him too risky for most lineups.
How long is Baker Mayfield out?
Mayfield is expected to miss several more weeks due to his thumb injury, though no exact timeline is given. He has already been ruled out for Week 5.
Who is the Buccaneers' starting quarterback in Week 5?
Jalon Daniels will start for Tampa Bay against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
Sources
- Player data (Sleeper)
- Who is Jalon Daniels? What to know about rookie filling in for Baker Mayfield (Yahoo Sports)
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