Baker Mayfield is back at practice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and just like that, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels’ three-game run as starter is likely over. Mayfield missed the last three games after a thumb injury in a Week 3 loss to the Vikings, leaving the 1-5 Bucs in a rough spot.
The Rookie Who Won a Game Is Headed Back to QB2
Daniels stepped up in Mayfield’s absence, and get this, he actually led the team to their *only* win of the season so far, taking down the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. That’s a huge moment for a rookie, right? But with Mayfield hitting the practice field on Wednesday, even wearing a glove to support his throwing hand, it looks like Daniels is heading right back to QB2. It’s a tough break, especially after he flashed some serious leadership and notable qualities in those starts. He even pulled off one top-20 fantasy finish, which for an UDFA rookie, is pretty wild. He’s gonna be a solid injury handcuff, no doubt, but for Week 7? Minimal value.
Mayfield’s Rocky Start vs. His Undeniable Ceiling
Now, let’s not pretend Mayfield was lighting it up before his injury. He’s had a tough start to 2026, averaging fewer fantasy points than Daniels did in their respective three-game stretches this season. Ouch. But the Bucs are in a must-win situation, trying to keep those playoff hopes alive, and they’re looking to Mayfield to get their offense into a new gear. He might not have Daniels’ rushing upside, but the guy has an undeniably higher ceiling. Remember, he closed out 2025 as QB12, ahead of players like Jaxson Dart, Jordan Love, and Lamar Jackson. That’s a legit pedigree. He enters Week 7 with an ECR ranking of QB29, but historically, this guy elevates his production in big games.
Tampa Bay is set to face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday, and that’s a favorable matchup, considering Carolina’s defense ranks 25th in the NFL in yardage. Mayfield’s averaged just 12.4 points through his first three games, but this could be the game where he breaks out. I’m expecting Mayfield’s best performance of the young season against the Panthers. The Bucs need it, and he’s gotta prove he’s still *that* QB12 guy.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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