Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers’ starting QB, just got some news that’s gonna have Tampa Bay fans buzzing: NFL insider Tom Pelissero dropped word Saturday that Mayfield’s recovery from his dislocated right thumb is moving way faster than anyone expected, with stitches coming out this Monday.
The Week 3 Blow and Bowles’ Initial Verdict
Man, that Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings felt rough for the Bucs, especially when Mayfield went down with that dislocated right thumb on his throwing hand. We all saw him sidelined, and sure enough, he’s already ruled out for Sunday’s Week 4 battle against the Green Bay Packers. Bucs coach Todd Bowles wasn’t pulling any punches either, telling reporters earlier this week that Mayfield would be out for at least three weeks. Ouch.
Mayfield’s Recovery Is Pushing the Limits
But here’s where it gets wild: Pelissero reported on his Substack that Mayfield is “scheduled to get stitches removed from his right thumb on Monday.” That’s a massive step! And get this: tests showed “no fracture or ligament or tendon damage.” That’s the best news you could hope for after an injury like that. Mayfield himself is apparently “pushing to return to action as soon as possible” and “hopes to beat that timeline” of three weeks. The guy is a warrior.
So, what’s left? Pelissero pointed out it’s all about “reducing the swelling and removing the stitches, which bother him when he grips the football.” Plus, there’s that post-stitches healing, and he needs to “be able to grip the ball without stability issues.” It’s a tight squeeze, no doubt. But Pelissero’s estimate for a Week 5 return? “Tough, but not impossible.” You gotta love that kind of fire!
So, all eyes on Monday for those stitches to come out. Can Mayfield really shave weeks off his recovery? Getting him back for Week 5 would be an absolutely wild turnaround for the Bucs and a massive boost. We’ll be watching closely to see if he can truly defy that timeline.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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