Despite “getting better” and a scheduled throwing session today, veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield is not expected to suit up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 6 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a tough pill to swallow for a 1-4 team desperate for consistency under center.
The QB Carousel: Baker’s Injury, Daniels’ Shot
Mayfield, 31, has been sidelined for Tampa Bay’s last two games after suffering a dislocated thumb, and it looks like he’ll miss another one. Before the injury, he appeared in the Buccaneers’ first three games of the season, throwing for 615 yards and two touchdowns. The problem? Tampa Bay lost all three of those contests. His absence forced the Bucs to turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, and the kid has definitely made an impact. Daniels has started the last two games, and in Week 5, he delivered an encouraging performance. He threw for 189 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers’ 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. That win was a much-needed boost for the team, giving them a glimmer of hope amidst a rough start.
No Rush: Bowles’ Firm Stance on Baker’s Return
Even with Mayfield reportedly “getting better” and testing his thumb in a throwing session today, the Buccaneers are playing it super cautious. They’re making it clear they won’t rush their starting quarterback back before he’s 100 percent. It’s so serious that Mayfield is unlikely to even serve as the team’s emergency backup against Pittsburgh. Head coach Todd Bowles laid it out simply: “If he’s not 100 percent, he doesn’t need to play.” That kind of firm stance means Daniels will likely be called upon to lead the offense once again, depending on how that throwing session goes and how Mayfield’s thumb responds. Mayfield was a key part of their offense last season, recording over 3,600 passing yards and 26 touchdown passes, plus 382 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown across 17 games. But for now, that’s all in the rearview.
The 1-4 Buccaneers are set to host the 3-2 Steelers this Sunday. While Baker Mayfield’s potential return remains up in the air, the team is definitely hoping his recovery keeps progressing, especially as they look to build on that crucial Week 5 victory. It’s going to be Daniels’ show again, and the Bucs desperately need him to keep that momentum rolling.
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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