Mayfield suffered the injury during Tampa Bay’s Week 3 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. While initial concerns lingered over potential ligament and tendon damage, rehab enabled Mayfield to avoid surgery and log full practice participation throughout the week. To protect the thumb and assist his grip, Mayfield will wear a specially designed, metal-reinforced glove crafted with assistance from the Tampa Bay Rays’ training staff.

Rookie backup Jalon Daniels stepped up under center over the last three weeks, delivering a solid operational performance in Mayfield’s absence. However, with Tampa Bay entering a crucial divisional stretch, head coach Todd Bowles reinstated Mayfield to the primary QB1 role the moment medical staff cleared him for game action.

Who is Bucs starting QB?

Baker Mayfield is the Bucs’ starting quarterback and Jalon Daniels will be the backup against the Carolina Panthers. Tampa cannot lose more ground in a wide open NFC South.

While adapting to playing with a protective glove presents a minor adjustment, Mayfield expressed complete confidence regarding his ability to grip and throw the football effectively.

If Mayfield stays protected in the pocket and avoids further impact on his right hand, his presence gives Tampa Bay its strongest path to securing a decisive divisional victory.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield is playing today and starting at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers.
• Mayfield returns after missing three games with a dislocated throwing thumb suffered in Week 3.
• Mayfield will wear a specialized protective glove reinforced with metal padding to secure his thumb during game action.

What exactly is keeping Todd Bowles’ No. 1 receiver sidelined? A foot issue and a concussion were enough to keep him out, as the team opted not to take any risks. Now, the Buccaneers will have to turn to other options to get the job done.

The good news is that Baker Mayfield will play in this game after recovering from his thumb injury. The Bucs desperately need a win to get their season back on track.

Passing options for Mayfield

There’s no doubt that Egbuka’s absence could be a major blow to a team that relies heavily on its passing game. Even so, the Bucs have other well-known options who can step up and help them get the job done against the Panthers.

Ted Hurst III and Chris Godwin Jr. appear to be the top alternatives in the passing attack. Further down the depth chart are David Sills V, Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson.

How much do the Bucs lose without Egbuka?

Through the first six games of the 2026 season, Egbuka has quickly turned into Tampa Bay’s safety valve and top target, hauling in 28 receptions for 240 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown on the ground.

He’s been the primary safety net for the offense—just look at Week 6, where he was peppered with a huge 16 targets against Pittsburgh. Without his elite ability to move the chains and command high volume, the Bucs lose their most consistent pass-catcher ahead of a crucial divisional matchup.

Key takeaways

• Emeka Egbuka has been ruled out against the Panthers due to foot and concussion injuries.
• Baker Mayfield will play for the Buccaneers after recovering from a right thumb injury.
• Emeka Egbuka recorded 28 receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns through six games.

Head coach Todd Bowles said on Friday, via multiple reporters, that Mayfield is “ready to go” against the Panthers. Mayfield missed the last three games after suffering a dislocated right thumb injury.

Meanwhile, Egbuka returned to practice on Friday after missing the first two days of the week. Yet, he is still dealing with a concussion and Bowles said he will be listed as doubtful to play vs Panthers.

The Bucs are not a cohesive team right now

The Bucs have the 24th-ranked offense in the NFL, averaging less than 300 yards per game. Now, injuries have hampered the team, but even in the first couple of weeks, the team looked bad.

Averaging 19.8 points per game, Tampa Bay is a lackluster offense. The defense is the saving grace. The Bucs rank fourth in opponent’s yards, with just 299.5 allowed. They are also the second-best rushing defense in the NFL.

The Panthers are a vicious opponent for Buccaneers

Not only is this an away, divisional game, but the Buccaneers will face arguably one of the best offenses in the NFL. The Panthers are incredibly good. They are the second-best offense in the league with 404.4 yards per outing.

The Panthers also have the fourth-best scoring offense with 29.2 per game. This is a brutal matchup for the Bucs right now. The Panthers are 3-2 and a win could put them comfortably atop of the NFC South, pending on the result of the Atlanta Falcons.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield will return against the Panthers after missing three games with a thumb injury.
• Emeka Egbuka is listed as doubtful against Carolina while dealing with a concussion.
• The Carolina Panthers offense ranks second in the league with 404.4 yards per game.

Mayfield suffered the injury on September 27, during the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. He dislocated his thumb after hitting his hand against Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, leaving the Buccaneers without their starting quarterback as they evaluate his recovery and determine when he can safely return.

There is optimism within the organization that Mayfield could be back for Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers. However, he will not be available against Pittsburgh, meaning Tampa Bay must rely on its next option at quarterback while hoping to keep its season on track. His recovery will remain a key storyline as the Buccaneers await his return.

Who will start at QB for Bucs vs Steelers?

Jalon Daniels is set to start at quarterback for Tampa Bay against Pittsburgh, giving him another opportunity to lead the offense while Mayfield recovers. Daniels enters the matchup after guiding the Buccaneers to an impressive victory over the Dallas Cowboys, a performance that strengthened his case for another start.

The challenge will be maintaining that momentum against the Steelers, who will look to take advantage of Tampa Bay’s absence at quarterback. Daniels will need to manage the offense, avoid costly mistakes and make the most of his opportunities to keep the Buccaneers competitive throughout the game.

For Tampa Bay, the immediate focus is on getting through Week 6 without its starting quarterback and giving Daniels the support he needs to succeed. The organization remains hopeful that Mayfield can return against Carolina in Week 7, but until he is cleared to play, the Buccaneers will have to move forward with their current quarterback plan.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield is out against the Steelers with a dislocated thumb.
• Jalon Daniels will start after leading the Buccaneers to a win over the Cowboys.
• Tampa Bay is optimistic Mayfield could return in Week 7 against the Panthers.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bucs officially ruled out Mayfield for Sunday’s game vs Steelers. Mayfield is still dealing with a finger injury in his throwing hand, and an additional week of recovery must be needed.

Hence, against the Steelers, it will be the second straight start for undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. The Bucs will hope for another victory after a Thursday Night Football upset win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Jalon Daniels and Baker Mayfield’s styles are very different

The Steelers have a tough defense, but planning for a game against Mayfield is very different that game-planning against Daniels. After all, Mayfield is mobile, but he tries to stay as a pocket passer.

Meanwhile, Daniels is extremely mobile, much more dynamic, and elusiveness to the pocket. Daniels’ pocket navigation and scrambling ability is much wider than Mayfield, who can escape the pocket, but usually tries to stay within his progressions.

Steelers defense is a tough test for Daniels

The Pittsburgh Steelers is a very good defense, especially around the edges. The defensive line with TJ Watt (4.5 sacks), Alex Highsmith (3.0 sacks), Cam Heyward (1.0 sack, 17 tackles), and Payton Wilson (1.0 sack, 44 tackles) is absolutely loaded with talent and violence.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield was ruled out against the Steelers due to a throwing hand finger injury.
• Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will make his second straight start for Tampa Bay.
• T.J. Watt leads the Steelers defense with 4.5 sacks this season.

Porter joined the Cowboys in a trade with Pittsburgh and immediately made an impact in his first appearance against the Houston Texans. Despite having limited time to learn Dallas’ defensive system, he delivered an encouraging performance in coverage, helping strengthen a secondary that needed reinforcements. His debut had created optimism that he would continue building chemistry with his new teammates against Tampa Bay.

However, Porter’s absence means Dallas will have to adjust its defensive plans for Thursday Night Football. The Cowboys were counting on the former Steelers cornerback to become an important part of their secondary, particularly as they look to contain Tampa Bay’s passing attack. With no additional details provided about the reported illness, the immediate focus is on his recovery and potential return.

Is Joey Porter Jr. injured with Dallas Cowboys?

Based on the information currently available, Joey Porter’s absence does not appear to be related to a new football injury. The reported reason is an illness, although no specific diagnosis or further details have been disclosed. That distinction matters because his availability had previously been a concern due to back problems that kept him out of Pittsburgh’s first three games of the 2026 season.

Porter finally returned to the field after the trade and played against Houston, giving the Cowboys an encouraging first look at what he could contribute to their defense. His performance suggested that the back issues that disrupted the beginning of his season were no longer preventing him from playing. There is currently no confirmed indication that those previous problems are responsible for his latest absence.

The Cowboys will now have to wait for Porter to recover before determining when he can return to the lineup. An illness can have a different recovery timeline from a structural injury, but without further information from the team, it is impossible to establish exactly how long he will be sidelined. Dallas will hope the issue is short-lived so the cornerback can resume building on the promising start to his Cowboys career.

Key takeaways

• Joey Porter Jr. was ruled out of Week 5 against Tampa Bay due to an illness.
• Joey Porter Jr. previously made his Cowboys debut in coverage against the Houston Texans.
• Back problems had previously sidelined Joey Porter Jr. for Pittsburgh’s first three games.

Mayfield suffered the injury during the Buccaneers’ Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. It happened late in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-1 play, when he was hit by linebacker Blake Cashman while attempting a pass that was intercepted. Mayfield exited the game, and subsequent medical examinations confirmed the dislocation in his throwing hand.

The initial outlook offered some encouraging news, as an MRI revealed no fracture or damage to the thumb’s ligaments or tendons. Head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield would miss at least three weeks, and the quarterback has avoided injured reserve so far with the Buccaneers. However, his recovery timeline remains uncertain because his ability to grip and throw the football comfortably will ultimately determine when he can return.

When is Baker Mayfield coming back from injury?

Baker Mayfield could miss at least three more weeks, with a potential absence of up to six weeks depending on how quickly he regains a reliable grip on the football.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the quarterback’s return will depend on his ability to hold and control the ball, a crucial requirement for making accurate throws with consistent velocity. Although the lack of ligament or tendon damage is positive, the dislocation still presents a significant challenge for a quarterback who relies on his throwing hand on every offensive snap.

The Buccaneers have ruled Mayfield out against the Cowboys after he also missed the Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay initially expected him to miss a minimum of three weeks, but the broader three-to-six-week window means his absence could extend beyond that estimate. If he cannot grip the football adequately, the team may have to wait closer to the longer end of the timeline rather than risk bringing him back before he is ready.

Who is Buccaneers starting quarterback vs Cowboys?

Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will be the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback against the Dallas Cowboys, taking over the offense while Baker Mayfield continues his rehabilitation.

Daniels made his first start against Green Bay, throwing for 148 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while adding 55 rushing yards. His second consecutive start will provide another opportunity to gain experience, but replacing a quarterback who had started 57 straight games for Tampa Bay is a considerable challenge.

Mayfield’s recovery will remain one of the Buccaneers’ biggest storylines over the coming weeks. A return after roughly three weeks remains possible if he can grip the ball comfortably and demonstrate that he can throw effectively, while a recovery closer to six weeks would keep him out for a more extended stretch. The team will need to balance the urgency of getting its starting quarterback back with the importance of ensuring his throwing hand is ready for the demands of an NFL game.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield was ruled out against Dallas after dislocating his right thumb in Week 3.
• Baker Mayfield faces a three-to-six-week recovery window depending on his ability to grip the ball.
• Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will make his second career start in Mayfield’s place.

For instance, the Dallas Cowboys have arguably a top 10 quarterback in Dak Prescott. Therefore, the Cowboys offense is one of the most high-octane units in the NFL.

The same can’t be said for the Buccaneers, whose starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is injured and hence, they are recurring to their depth chart to find a new signal-caller to take the load in the meantime.

Cowboys QB depth chart vs Buccaneers

The Dallas Cowboys are a top-tier offense and most of that is thanks to the prowess of Dak Prescott. He is accurate, can read defenses, and has plenty of chemistry with his wide receivers. This is their depth chart:

• Dak Prescott
• Sam Howell
• Joe Milton III (emergency backup)

Bucs QB depth chart vs Cowboys

Since Baker Mayfield is dealing with a hand injury, undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels will have his second start for the Bucs. Daniels hopes he can improve on the 19/27, 148 yds, 1 TD, and 2 INTs statline he posted in his debut. This is their depth chart:

• Jalon Daniels
• Easton Stick
• Brett Rypien (emergency backup)

Key takeaways

• Dak Prescott leads a top-10 high-octane offense for the Dallas Cowboys.
• Jalon Daniels makes his second start for Tampa Bay with Baker Mayfield sidelined. RotoBaller
• Undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels threw one touchdown and two interceptions in his debut.

Parsons suffered the injury during the Packers’ Week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos in December 2025 and underwent surgery later that month. Although he was initially expected to have a chance to return relatively soon after the minimum four-game PUP period, Green Bay has remained cautious with its defensive star throughout the rehabilitation process.

That approach has now pushed his potential return further into the season. Parsons has not suffered a setback, but he has yet to be cleared to begin practicing, meaning he cannot play against Tampa Bay and may also miss several more games before finally making his 2026 debut.

When is Micah Parsons coming back after injury?

NFL insider Tom Pelissero provided a new update on Micah Parsons’ recovery that significantly changes the expectations surrounding his return. This week’s report makes clear that the Packers are not dealing with a new injury, but rather a rehabilitation process that is taking longer than initially hoped.

“Packers star Micah Parsons hasn’t had any setbacks in his rehab. But he’s not expected to practice next week, and it could be November before he’s ready for game action.”

The update means Parsons is unlikely to return for the Packers’ Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears, since he is not expected to practice next week. His potential return against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 on October 18 is also becoming increasingly unlikely, particularly because he would need practice time before being cleared for game action.

If Pelissero’s projection holds, Parsons could potentially return in November, giving the Packers a much longer wait for one of the most important pieces of their defense. Green Bay has no reason to rush the star pass rusher back from a major knee injury, especially with the organization focused on having him healthy for the most important part of the season.

Key takeaways

• Micah Parsons won’t play for Packers vs Buccaneers.
• The defensive star suffered a serious knee injury during the 2025 season in a game against the Denver Broncos.
• Parsons is expected to return in November.

The Packers running back was placed on the exempt list after being charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a May incident. Jacobs later entered a no-contest plea to the misdemeanor charges, but that did not automatically end the NFL’s separate disciplinary process. The league continues to review the case under its Personal Conduct Policy.

While Jacobs remains on the exempt list, he cannot practice or play in games, although he continues to receive his salary. The NFL has not announced a suspension at this point, meaning there is still uncertainty over exactly when he will be allowed to return to the Packers. Green Bay has prepared for his absence by relying on its other running backs while the process continues.

When is Josh Jacobs coming back?

There is currently no definitive return date for Josh Jacobs because the NFL has not announced its final disciplinary decision. A suspension remains possible, and the league’s review could ultimately determine that Jacobs must miss additional games after the time he has already spent on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.

One important detail is that the games Jacobs misses while on the exempt list can count toward a potential suspension. That means the time he has already spent away from the Packers would not necessarily be added on top of the eventual punishment.

If the NFL determines that he should receive a suspension, the games he has already missed could effectively count as time served, although Jacobs would have to repay the salary he received during the period that counts toward the suspension.

The NFL has not announced how many games, if any, Jacobs will be suspended for. A six-game suspension has historically been the standard punishment for violations involving domestic violence under the league’s personal conduct policy, but the actual discipline can vary depending on the circumstances and the league’s investigation. For now, Jacobs remains unavailable against Tampa Bay, and his return will depend on when the NFL completes its review and makes a decision.

Key takeaways

• Josh Jacobs remains on the Exempt List while the NFL reviews his legal case.
• He was charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage following a May incident.
• Standard discipline under the policy historically carries a six-game suspension.

Head coach Todd Bowles will have to rely on Jalon Daniels, the undrafted rookie who entered the NFL out of the Kansas Jayhawks. It will be quite a challenge for the Bucs, who will be looking to earn their first win of the season.

The poor level of play shown by Tampa Bay in its first three games has raised concerns within the coaching staff. Mayfield’s absence could deepen the crisis, especially with the Bucs facing a perennial contender like the Packers.

A tough blow for Mayfield

Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb on his throwing hand during the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay‘s Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The injury occurred on a fourth-and-1 play when he was hit while attempting a pass.

Subsequent medical evaluations and an MRI confirmed no major structural ligament damage, but Todd Bowles announced that Mayfield is expected to miss a minimum of three weeks while recovering. Based on that recovery timeline, the earliest realistic target for his return to the field would be Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers.

More injuries for the Bucs

Alongside Mayfield, the Buccaneers are heading into their matchup against Green Bay severely shorthanded on both sides of the ball. On defense, losing Rueben Bain Jr. (groin/shoulder) strips Todd Bowles’ front seven of a key edge disruptor, while Benjamin Morrison (quad) sitting out thins out secondary depth and leaves Tampa Bay vulnerable against Green Bay’s intermediate passing attack.

Offensively, Ko Kieft (elbow) being ruled out might not steal headlines, but his absence stings in the trenches—he’s the team’s primary blocking tight end and H-back, meaning the offense takes a hit in short-yardage packages and heavy run sets just as Jalon Daniels makes his first NFL start.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield will miss the Week 4 game against Green Bay due to a thumb injury.
• Jalon Daniels is set to start at quarterback for the Buccaneers after Mayfield’s injury.
• Minimum of three weeks is the expected recovery timeline for Mayfield’s dislocated right thumb.