Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is officially sidelined for Week 6 against the Steelers, a tough blow confirmed by offensive coordinator Zac Robinson after Mayfield missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. This isn’t just a maintenance day; Mayfield is genuinely not ready to get back on the field, and it means an undrafted rookie is stepping up again.
Mayfield’s Thumb: Not Quite Ready
The big issue? Mayfield’s dislocated right thumb just hasn’t healed enough. He was supposed to try throwing on Wednesday, a crucial test to see if he could properly grip a football and run the offense. But Robinson flat out said things haven’t progressed to that point. The OC shared, “He’s doing everything he can. I know he wanted to play in this game so badly. . . . The timing on these things, you just never really know. Trying to get stuff going on Monday and it’s just not quite ready.” It is clear Mayfield desperately wants to be out there, but his body is just not cooperating yet.
Jalon Daniels Gets the Nod Again
With Mayfield stuck on the sidelines, it is undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels who will make his second straight start for the Buccaneers. Daniels got his first shot last Thursday, and he didn’t look too shabby. He went 19-of-25 for 189 yards and a touchdown in the team’s win over the Cowboys. That is a solid stat line for a guy getting thrown into the fire.
So, with Mayfield on the shelf, it is Daniels’ show again. He will lead the Bucs into battle against the Steelers, with everyone watching to see if his rookie magic can keep Tampa Bay rolling without their starting signal-caller.
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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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