Baker Mayfield’s Injury Adds to Buccaneers’ Troubles

Things aren’t off to a great start for Baker Mayfield and the struggling Buccaneers, and unfortunately, it might be about to get worse.

Mayfield dislocated his thumb on his throwing hand during the team’s recent 23-16 loss at home to the Vikings. Head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that an MRI is scheduled for Monday to assess the damage.

X-rays were clear of fractures, but further tests might reveal any ligament injuries or other issues.

“He’s going to get an MRI (on Monday) just to find out what’s wrong inside,” Bowles shared after the team fell to 0-3. “We’ll know more tomorrow.”

The injury occurred on Mayfield’s last pass of the game—essentially a last-ditch effort while dodging pressure on a fourth-and-13 from the Bucs’ 39-yard line with just under two minutes remaining.

As he threw the ball downfield, which ended in an interception, a hit from Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman caught his hand.

Mayfield appeared to be in pain on the ground while the Vikings celebrated the change of possession, with analyst Jonathan Vilma noting, “he’s in serious pain.”

Jalon Daniels stepped in for Mayfield and attempted a Hail Mary, which also resulted in an interception.

Mayfield did not address the media following the game and was seen with ice on his right hand as he exited the locker room.

“I was in shock,” said Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs. “It’s tough. He’s a competitor. He was trying to make a play at the end of the game. That’s who he is.”

This injury compounds the issues facing both Mayfield and the Buccaneers, who have had a rocky start this season.

The team had finalized a three-year, $165 million contract extension for Mayfield only five days before the season opener, but he has not lived up to expectations on the field.

Mayfield lost three fumbles and failed to throw a touchdown during a 33-27 loss to the Bengals in Week 1. He also suffered a surprising 23-19 home defeat against the Browns in Week 2. In the most recent game, he completed 17 of 34 passes for 217 yards.

At this point, he has managed just two touchdown passes and a total of 615 passing yards.

The Buccaneers will face the Packers in Week 4, a critical matchup for both teams, and there’s a likelihood that Daniels, an undrafted free agent, could be under center.

Bowles humorously reflected on the team’s situation, pointing out, “We’re 0-3 and still just a game out of first place,” referencing the weak state of the NFC South. “We need to figure things out, do better, and find ways to improve.”