Rookie Jalon Daniels Starts for Buccaneers After Mayfield Thumb Injury

Rookie Jalon Daniels Starts for Buccaneers After Mayfield Thumb Injury

Sports

Jalon Daniels started for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Green Bay Packers on October 1, becoming the NFL’s first rookie starter of the 2026 season, NBC Sports reported. Baker Mayfield left the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 27 after dislocating his right thumb, CBS Sports reported. ESPN later confirmed the thumb was dislocated and that Mayfield would undergo an MRI.

NBC Sports said the injury could sideline him for two to four weeks, prompting the Buccaneers to consider backup quarterbacks. Sports Illustrated noted the team was evaluating trade possibilities and other quarterback options.

Actors

Baker Mayfield Tampa Bay Buccaneers Todd Bowles Minnesota Vikings Andrew Van Ginkel Jalon Daniels Jalen McMillan

Locations

Tampa Bay, Florida, United States Minnesota, United States

Articles

October 01, 2026
1 total
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels set to start for Buccaneers after Mayfield injury
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels set to start for Buccaneers after Mayfield injury

NBC Sports • 01 Oct 10:47

Undrafted quarterback Jalon Daniels will make his first NFL start for Tampa Bay against Green Bay after Baker Mayfield's thumb injury, becoming the league's first rookie starter of the 2026 season.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
September 30, 2026
1 total
Buccaneers weigh quarterback options after Baker Mayfield thumb injury
Buccaneers weigh quarterback options after Baker Mayfield thumb injury

Sports Illustrated • 30 Sep 10:00

Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb may sideline him for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, prompting the team to explore trade possibilities and evaluate backup quarterbacks.

Credibility 45% Manip. 25% Center
September 28, 2026
3 total
Baker Mayfield faces 2-4 week absence with thumb injury, Buccaneers turn to rookie Jalon Daniels
Baker Mayfield faces 2-4 week absence with thumb injury, Buccaneers turn to rookie Jalon Daniels

NBC Sports • 28 Sep 14:55

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that quarterback Baker Mayfield may miss two to four weeks after injuring his thumb, prompting Tampa Bay to start rookie Jalon Daniels in the upcoming game.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
Baker Mayfield suffers thumb dislocation, MRI scheduled
Baker Mayfield suffers thumb dislocation, MRI scheduled

NBC Sports • 28 Sep 01:15

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield left the loss to Minnesota after dislocating his right thumb; an MRI will assess the injury's severity.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
Baker Mayfield sustains dislocated thumb in Buccaneers' loss to Vikings
Baker Mayfield sustains dislocated thumb in Buccaneers' loss to Vikings

Bleacher Report • 28 Sep 00:56

Quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb after an interception in Tampa Bay's 20-16 defeat to Minnesota, and was replaced for the final drive.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
September 27, 2026
3 total
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield diagnosed with dislocated thumb after loss to Vikings
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield diagnosed with dislocated thumb after loss to Vikings

ESPN • 27 Sep 23:53

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb late in the 23-16 defeat to Minnesota and will undergo an MRI, while the team fell to 0-3.

Credibility 73% Manip. 8% Center
Baker Mayfield exits Buccaneers game with dislocated thumb
Baker Mayfield exits Buccaneers game with dislocated thumb

Fox News • 27 Sep 23:42

Quarterback Baker Mayfield left the Buccaneers' loss to the Vikings after sustaining a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, and will undergo an MRI to assess the injury.

Credibility 72% Manip. 12% Center
Baker Mayfield exits Buccaneers loss with suspected thumb dislocation
Baker Mayfield exits Buccaneers loss with suspected thumb dislocation

CBS Sports • 27 Sep 23:28

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield left the Week 3 game against the Vikings after injuring his right hand, with coaches planning an MRI to assess the damage.

Credibility 73% Manip. 9% Center

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