Report: Baker Mayfield expected to miss three to six weeks

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is dealing with a dislocated thumb that is expected to sideline him for three to six weeks. Schefter reported Sunday, citing sources, that the timeline depends on how quickly Mayfield is able to grip the football.

Mayfield has played in three games for Tampa Bay in 2026–27, completing 61 of 96 pass attempts for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has taken 13 sacks. On the ground, the quarterback has 11 attempts for 65 yards and one touchdown, while also recording three fumbles, all three of them lost.

The Buccaneers are 0-3 entering the reported absence. Their offense ranks 30th of 32 teams in EPA, while their defense ranks sixth. EPA is a play-by-play measure that tracks how much a team’s performance changes its expected points.

Mayfield’s passing workload has included 96 attempts through the opening three games, with the club’s 615 passing yards coming alongside two passing touchdowns. The report identifies his ability to grip the football as the factor that will determine whether his absence falls closer to three weeks or six weeks.