The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are throwing rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels right into the fire this Sunday, making his NFL starting debut because Baker Mayfield is officially sidelined. This move comes after the Bucs elevated quarterback Easton Stick from their practice squad on October 3, setting him up to back up Daniels against the Packers. Man, talk about a sudden change under center.
Mayfield Out, Daniels In: The QB Carousel Spins
So, Baker Mayfield is out for at least three weeks with a dislocated right thumb, which is a brutal blow this far into the season. That’s why we’re seeing Jalon Daniels, a rookie, get the nod for his very first NFL start. It’s a huge moment for him, stepping onto the field with the bright lights on, and you know the pressure is absolutely immense. Bringing up Easton Stick from the practice squad shows just how quickly things can flip in the league. This is Stick’s first elevation, so he’s gotta be ready to go at a moment’s notice if Daniels needs him. What a wild turn for the Bucs, right?
The Road Less Traveled: Fordham’s Bumpy Start
It wasn’t just Stick getting the call-up; linebacker Caden Fordham also got elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. Fordham’s journey this season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He signed with the Bucs as a rookie free agent back in May, actually made the initial 53-player roster, which is huge for an undrafted guy. But then, the Bucs waived him on September 2 after they claimed cornerback Kevin Knowles off waivers from Kansas City. Talk about a gut punch. Luckily for Fordham, he signed right back onto their practice squad. Now, he’s getting his shot, and you gotta respect that grind.
The Bucs are rolling into Sunday’s game against the Packers with a rookie QB making his debut and a practice squad guy backing him up. Every snap Daniels takes is gonna be under a microscope, and for Stick, it’s all about being ready for the unexpected. You know the Bucs will be looking for a gutsy performance to keep their season on track without Mayfield. This is where you see what these guys are made of.
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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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