Buccaneers' start goes from bad to worse with Baker Mayfield's injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Buccaneers' start goes from bad to worse with Baker Mayfield's injury

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Sep 27, 2026 8:18 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost again on Sunday, dropping a 23-16 decision to the Minnesota Vikings.

It is their third consecutive loss to open the season, leaving them at the bottom of the NFC South standings.

As if that is not bad enough, starting quarterback Baker Mayfield left Sunday's game with an injury and is very likely to miss time.

Baker Mayfield dislocates thumb in Buccaneers loss

Mayfield was injured late in the fourth quarter and could be seen walking off the field holding his throwing hand.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said after the game that Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb and that he will be undergoing an MRI on Monday.

Todd Bowles said Bucs QB Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb and will undergo an MRI. pic.twitter.com/7nmYpEBdDX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2026

He was replaced by backup Jalon Daniels, who did not complete any of his three pass attempts.

Mayfield has not been off to a great start this season after signing a massive contract extension before the season, but he is still Tampa Bay's best quarterback option.

If he has to miss any time, that could be a devastating blow to the Buccaneers' chances, even in an NFC South that always seems to be wide open for the taking.

The Buccaneers already have almost no margin for error, and it's hard to imagine them overcoming an injury to Mayfield no matter what division they play in or what their upcoming schedule looks like.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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