NFL insider’s latest update adds a key detail to Baker Mayfield’s injury recovery, and it could mean tough sledding for the Bucs
The Bucs’ franchise QB could be on the shelf for significantly longer than the time frame the team was hoping for.
The Bucs’ rough start to the 2026 season was soured even further late last Sunday during Tampa Bay’s 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. QB Baker Mayfield hit hit thumb on the follow throw of a desperation fourth down toss, resulting in a dislocated thumb that had him down on the ground screaming in pain.
Todd Bowles gave an initial diagnosis on Monday that Mayfield would be out a minimum of three weeks. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, that time frame could potentially be doubled.
Schefter’s Sunday morning update noted that Mayfield’s ability to return hinges on his ability to grip the football, and that it could take three to six weeks for him to reach that ability.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter said Mayfield could be out 3-6 weeks depending on when he can properly grip the ball
“Sources told ESPN that Mayfield is dealing with a dislocated thumb that is expected to sideline the star quarterback anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on how quickly he is able to grip the football,” Schefter wrote.
“At this point, it’s hard to predict when that will be, but three weeks without Mayfield is the Bucs’ best hope.”
Three weeks being the Bucs’ best hope isn’t anything earth shattering, but being out potentially up to six weeks due to an inability to grab the football is certainly concerning for a number of reasons.
First, the Bucs obviously may have to ride with an undrafted free agent rookie for that time or find a way to scramble and trade for or sign a veteran backup to spot start over that span, depending on how Daniels does on Sunday against Green Bay. Riding with a rookie who’s unable to handle the job over six weeks basically spells doom for the season, even in a poor NFC South.
But even if Mayfield can return and grip the football, will that grip be weak? Will there be an effect on his ability to complete his throwing motion properly and with the needed velocity? Mayfield is tough as nails and will fight through pain and injury as much as anyone in the league. That’s noble, but fighting through something that’s going to compromise his ability to perform is also quite suboptimal.
It’s a tough situation in a season with jobs potentially on the line, particularly that of Bowles. But Mayfield can only come back when he’s ready. The question is, will there be anything left to play for by then?
