How Long Will Baker Mayfield Be Out Of Commission?
September 28th, 2026
Baker Mayfield walks off field after dislocating his thumb.
Like what KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles said after the game last night, there is no way of knowing the ramifications of Baker Mayfield’s dislocated thumb until MRI tests come back.
In the past couple of years, the Bucs haven’t shared MRI results until at the earliest Monday afternoon or Tuesday. So Joe isn’t expecting any new information today.
But what can Bucs fans reasonably expect Mayfield’s convalescence to be? Could be one game, could be a month and if he needs surgery, could be three months.
Evan Closky of WTSP-TV Channel 10 said three years ago Jalen Hurts dislocated a thumb and he missed a month. Back in 2020, Jared Goff missed the final week of the season with a dislocated thumb and he missed the season finale but started the first game of the playoffs.
It sure seems like Mayfield won’t play against Green Bay next Sunday at The Licht House.
Justin Fields dislocated his thumb in 2023 and missed 4 games.
Jared Goff did it in 2020 and missed the season finale, while playing in the postseason.
The MRI will tell the tale on severity, but just a pair of historical examples.
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) September 28, 2026
September 28th, 2026 at 5:13 am
We took a chance biting into a poisoned apple, now look what we got. I poor character QB that has taken the organization to the cleaners.
September 28th, 2026 at 5:13 am
He is still running for his life!
September 28th, 2026 at 5:13 am
and yet the resident clown of the comments here said you stick it back in and miss one play
lol
September 28th, 2026 at 5:14 am
Well I guess since we are stuck with him, we are now tanking for Jeremiah. Robinson could easily be the worst Offensive Coordinator we’ve ever had, and that is saying something.
September 28th, 2026 at 5:14 am
Not long enough !
September 28th, 2026 at 5:16 am
I hope he is able to count that cash with a bad right thumb. We got suckered by signing this low character clown.
September 28th, 2026 at 5:20 am
i dislocated my thumb playing catcher when I was 9 i played the next game wtf doc just pulled it back out i didnt even dance around
September 28th, 2026 at 5:43 am
Have read dislocation broke the skin, if that’s the case guessing he’s out 3-4 weeks at a minimum. Thankfully, with how poorly this team has played over the last 12 games, don’t even think the Baker injury excuse will save todd this time.
September 28th, 2026 at 5:56 am
I love Smith, but wherever the Bucs end up in the top 5 of the draft, they should trade back for multiple picks. Too many needs — G, ILB, TE, D-Line. The one positive if Baker is out for any time is the Bucs can play for the future and see what it really has in some of its younger players at QB, WR, DB.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:02 am
I can’t believe how bad our offensive lineman are.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:04 am
We are dislocated from reality if we think this team is anything but putrid. Watching the game with half the stadium filled with Vikings fans says it all. We have a crap team and a garbage fan base.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:11 am
He wont miss a game. He cant take the chance of Daniels playing better. Baker will play and we’ll continue to see the same slop at QB we’ve been seeing.
Funny how Baker is playing the same way and worse than when he was “injured” last season. He’s so terrible and he’s gonna get a lot of people fired.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:15 am
I dislocated my pinky playing basketball I just popped it back in place and kept playing. It eventually swelled some. I don’t remember screaming!!!!!!
September 28th, 2026 at 6:20 am
Watching the replay looks like he might’ve first injured it on a 3rd & 7 scramble @ 7:44 of the 3rd quarter. Appeared to wince & grab his right thumb at the end of the play. Could’ve been the precursor to the dislocation. Have to laugh at those that recount their dislocation stories as if every injury severity is the same. Not surprised by it, just sadly expected with the mindset of today.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:25 am
He’s been throwing like he’s got a dislocated thumb since last year but maybe he should miss at least 4 games anyway
September 28th, 2026 at 6:27 am
Good thing Daniels can run, we are going to need that skill with the world’s worst OC and the O line. Poor kid, he will have a TE that cant catch or block and WRs that cant get separation and drop easy passes.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:33 am
@Letsbuccingo…..
Yes, your elementary school pinky incident is exactly the same as an NFL quarterback having a dislocated thumb (at best) on his throwing hand.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:35 am
Why are we even saying he should come back? He should have been benched.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:36 am
Anybody complaining about Vikings fans taking over clearly miss the point. Bucs fans are fed up with the product hence they aren’t going to the games. Might as well prepare yourselves because that’s how it’s going to be all season. Looks like all the play Daniel’s crowd is going to get their wish. We’ll be careful what you wish for
September 28th, 2026 at 6:37 am
Shall we assume that Baker will dress as the cowardly lion for Halloween? The poor character coward could not even show up for the post game interview. It’s a thumb, not a leg injury.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:40 am
It will depend on whether there is any associated torn ligaments or tendons , because that may require a surgery which would be 4-8 weeks.
Excited to see what the kid can bring to the table. The playbook will be expanded with many more RPO plays. We need a QB with wheels as he will be under a lot of pressure caused by the sieve that we call an offensive line,
September 28th, 2026 at 6:42 am
Jimmy garrapolo is available. Daniels is not ready yet. Or bring back browning.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:42 am
Does it really matter? If I were playing for the Bucs, they would have the same record.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:42 am
I dislocated my middle finger, right at the large knuckle. It was bent at a 90° angle. It took weeks to heal. I think Mayfield’s injury is similar. I’m guessing he misses 4-6 weeks.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:45 am
Baker is a more athletic Vinny Testerverde. That’s all he will ever be I fear.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:45 am
It’s conceivable to get the MRI back same day, however he will probably go in this morning. Once the MRI is done the doc will be able to read it in minutes if he’s there and ready. Could have results before lunch. We won’t but they will.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:48 am
If protection doesn’t improve, it literally won’t matter who’s playing QB.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:50 am
Jalon will leave the pocket early and this stint will stun his progress early.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:53 am
Time to trade some guys and pick up some draft picks. Lets set the new coach up for a quick turnaround. I still believe we have talent that isn’t being brought out.
September 28th, 2026 at 6:53 am
Just saw what happened to Mike Evans.
Gee.
PLEASE retire. He is delusional. Cannot play anymore. For another ring? You are a HOFer!
He was injured without even being touched.
Sad.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:00 am
This Clown Organization treated Rachaad White like trash
4 years, and only miss one game, and he wasn’t even offered an extension
They even benched him last season for the ineffective Bucky Irving
Intelligent management don’t let valuable employees get away
They they resigned Tucker, signed Gainwell for $14 million
You reap what you sow
I hope this Sideshow go 0-17
September 28th, 2026 at 7:01 am
Baker ranks 25th with a QBR of 45.7. Cam Ward is ahead of him. This is with a good thumb. We are stuck with this low character clown.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:02 am
FedTheFUp … ‘I dislocated my middle finger, right at the large knuckle.’
Must’ve been interesting walking around with your middle finger in a split for 4-6 weeks. Did you get all your friends to sign it?
September 28th, 2026 at 7:03 am
It dont matter. One week or 14 this season will be a complete waste the moment the glazers didn’t fire bowles
September 28th, 2026 at 7:17 am
Remember a few short weeks ago when we had “the steal of the draft” and we signed our “top-tier quarterback” to a lengthy, very expensive extension? Remember the love fest between management and Baker, and the extreme confidence they had in Todd Bowles?
Remember how thrilled we were supposed to be that our “highly rated” OL was going into the season as a healthy unit for the first time in ages? Remember our “crafty” free agent signings? Remember when Kancey was finally gonna do his projected damage after Licht picked up his rookie deal option?
Man, there was enough B.S. coming out of Buccaneer Headquarters to make a politician look honest.
Many swallowed this line of crap. They labeled those who saw through this thinly veiled con job as haters, the irony being that we want this team to win as much as they do, maybe more.
It’s gonna take some time to fix this mess, and I remain unsure we can do it with those who are currently running the show. If the Glazer boys don’t have a collective epiphany we could be mired in this misery for years to come.
Like the old saying goes, It’s a Bucs life.
And it sucks!
September 28th, 2026 at 7:21 am
The mean things about Baker here this morning is terrible. Baker tries harder to win than everyone else on offense and he’s got an offensive line that offers no protection. He’s lucky his injury wasn’t worse. Bucky was injured late didn’t have a good day either. Where’s the hate for him?
September 28th, 2026 at 7:21 am
For all you Baker Bashers – get a life!! Does Baker cover on kickoffs, play defense, play O-line or call his own plays? Ya think coaching may be a bit of the problems?????
September 28th, 2026 at 7:22 am
History repeats itself. It’s 1976 all over again.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:23 am
bud liked tht bucs Says:
“i dislocated my thumb playing catcher when I was 9 i played the next game wtf doc just pulled it back out i didnt even dance around”
Huge difference. Plus, 9 year olds heal much faster than 30 year olds.
At age 30, the healing process begins to slow. By age 60, a mosquito bite can take a month to disappear. A 30, about a week. At 9, a couple days.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:24 am
I hate all of them, feel better Bob? Sorry you’re hurt fans expecting more from their 165 million dollar QB. The nerve!
September 28th, 2026 at 7:26 am
jViet Says:
“Have read dislocation broke the skin…”
An injury like that would mean a lot of blood. There was none.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:28 am
Hodad Says:
“I hate all of them, feel better Bob? Sorry you’re hurt fans expecting more from their 165 million dollar QB.”
He played badly, but most of it was bbecause of the offensive line.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:30 am
Baker Mayfield is Hot Trash
The Bucs are trash for sticking with him
Cleveland dumped him because he was trash
September 28th, 2026 at 7:37 am
Different injury, but this is reminding me of Drew Bledsoe with the Patriots 20+ years ago. Happened maybe 3-4 days earlier in September. At the time, Drew Bledsoe had what was considered a huge contract.
Brady was a 6th rounder, went in and the team traded Bledsoe later because Brady became so good. Brady had a few growing pains at first. He wasn’t the goat back then, but he became great. No one expected that hat from a 6th rounder.
Now, here we are.
Baker plays at a level similar to Bledsoe. Gets injured. A guy who never even got drafted comes in. Who knows what will happen?
This will at least make things interesting over the next few weeks.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:41 am
Lakeland Says:
“Baker Mayfield is Hot Trash x
He really isn’t.
Yesterday was filled with bad OL and drops…not to mention 2-3 obvious missed facemask calls. The refs cost us as much as the OL and drops did.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:43 am
we need to bring a quarterback in…
let’s bring in tom brady 🙂
September 28th, 2026 at 7:44 am
what is he 51 now…?
September 28th, 2026 at 7:47 am
This season has been a big big bummer. At least our defense was fun to watch. Daniels is a rookie so there will be a steep learning curve against NFL starters. He will be running for his life too. Regardless of Bakers timeline we need another QB on the practice squad. I hope Baker is allowed to fully heal before coming back. Thumb injuries can really mess up a QBs ability to release the ball. I also think the thumb got hurt earlier in the game before the dislocation.
If we were going to replace Robinson and his staff it would have started by now.
I saw lots of purple in our house this week. I’m guessing the green will be even heavier next week. Perhaps it will convince the Glazers will sell.
The look on Todd’s face seemed more sad than angry at the end of the game. It looks like he knows what’s coming. I always wonder if Bruce was calling the shots on who to hire at OC. I still like Todd.
Oh boy.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:47 am
The game really shed light on our O-line, IMO. At this point it’s safe to say that they’re um, not “good”!
Baker’s trying to do too much and I really don’t get the play-calling nor formations.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:48 am
Bucs could trade for a qb. The Giants considered it before sticking with Winston. Of course, Jason does not like trading draft picks. Jimmy Garapolo anyone? Truth is, as bad as Baker has been, I doubt if Jalon or Easton Stick or any one off the street could have played worse than Baker so far. I know the OL is bad too and then Zac R is calling an offense whuch is like nothing from the McVay tree. At least a real bad season ought to get Bowles launched.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:49 am
There are many degrees of “dislocation “
It’s my guess my Bakers pain and reaction is that there will be tissue, ligaments and tendons involved so don’t be surprised if surgery is needed
September 28th, 2026 at 7:50 am
Bonzai- Good catch on the facemasks. I literally asked my wife when they stopped throwing flags on hands to the face of a QB?! There were at least two that could have been called.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:51 am
Everyone is praying that Mayfield does not have ligament damage and will get well soon.But for now, it is time for the front office to get to work this morning to start lining up guys for tryouts who can run the Robinson playbook efficiently..Get Easton Stick off the practice squad and get him first team reps all week.. He worked with Robinson in Atlanta..
Whether the team wins or loses, it needs a qb that is an accurate passer who can help the playmakers on the team move the football down the field…
Daniels is regrettably not experienced enough to run the Robinson offense…and one read and run will not in the NFL for long..
September 28th, 2026 at 7:51 am
Just remember it is the owners who flushed all that contract money down the drain on Baker and others.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:55 am
At this point, who cares how long Baker is out, he’s not doing much problem solving or any consistent play making. Nobody on offense is, but it’s especially glaring when your QB can’t make a play on a regular basis. Everybody and their mamas’ knew the Vikings were going to be dialing up pressure all game long. No excuses for the OL nor the QB, they played like ass and it looked bad all day long.
Even that last play where he actually got hurt, you’re running around the yard and don’t see anything viable and did all that running around just to throw a pick at the original LOS whilst getting himself hurt. Trying really, really, really hard.
Send Daniels in, at the least this give him an opportunity to see if he’ll have a future with us and can compete with whatever QB talent we bring in here. Now that Baker is hurt, the effort the front office put into filling the back up QB role this year(and last) looks TERRIBLE.
September 28th, 2026 at 7:57 am
The timing is rough, since the Packers was one of the few games we were gonna win this year, as they look worse than us! BAKER knows this as well, and will play
September 28th, 2026 at 7:59 am
We can lose the same way if he is playing or not. Pretty much don’t think it matters at this point. Until Bowles is replaced won’t matter who the moving chess pieces are.
September 28th, 2026 at 8:09 am
I’m sure Daniels can fumble away a game as good as Baker, don’t worry, be happy.
September 28th, 2026 at 8:09 am
Well well well folks
I can’t wait for Rod Munch’s EXCUSES for JD in the coming weeks
September 28th, 2026 at 8:16 am
Bonzi, after the game. TKrass on 620 said that there was blood. I didn’t see any on any of the initial things I saw, but he insisted there was blood. So there must have been broken skin. Anyway, I didn’t see it but our local sports radio guy reported it.
September 28th, 2026 at 8:17 am
The only positive to this injury is the possibility that a rookie undrafted QB could show everyone how to win a game.
Thus proving that you don’t have to sign a premaddona to obscene amounts of money to win.
Unfortunately Bowels will find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Todd likes to do other things. 0-17
September 28th, 2026 at 8:27 am
Seriously believe problem is with Oline. Give Baker time and he can make plays with his arm and feet. A bad Oline will make anyone look bad. We should look seriously at Oline coaching and scheming. GO BUCS…..
September 28th, 2026 at 8:27 am
All the Baker and Cleveland fans are back in Cleveland rooting for they’re browns.
September 28th, 2026 at 8:32 am
Who cares at this point how long Mayfield is out for. Might as well give the rookie some playing time and maybe he’ll bring some big plays back to the Bucs. The good thing is he’s not a 19 year old and has some maturity. He spent 12 years in collage and is like 40! Haha joking, but let’s hope his age helps him out a little. Hopefully he’ll bring some excitement to a bland, boring and god awful offense so far!!! Be hard to imagine the offense getting much worse
September 28th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Bonzai please stop..just stop.
Enough already! You can blame the oline all you want and they deserve plenty. But just STOP!
Baker has been AWFUL this year. He wasn’t been “ok”, he hasn’t been BAD.
When he has time to throw, even with a clean pocket he gets happy feet. When he has a clean pocket and an open WR, he misses them 2 times out of 3. He over throws on the regular. He can’t diagnosis a defense pre snap. He has zero pocket awareness. He has run into more sacks this year than I’ve ever seen.
You either don’t watch the games or don’t know what you’re watching…or maybe your another Baker apologist.
You’re playing Brian Flores who brings the blitz at a higher rate than any other coach in football..yet you hold the ball??
Just stop it
September 28th, 2026 at 8:42 am
It’s not a bad year to suck with all the QB talent coming into the draft in April.
September 28th, 2026 at 8:45 am
We are probably the best positioned 0-3 team in MFL history to have a chance at the playoffs. With a win next we we could possibly be tied for the division lead. With the resurgence of our defense and our 2-10 qb injured being replaced with a calm mobile qb, I am quite optimistic about the rest of the season. We don’t need great play from the quarterback position. He just has to be able to make good decisions and normal throws.
For some reason, Baker missed a lot of wide open receivers. When is the last time we saw him throw short metal of the field passes? He has been playing scary. He gives up on the play and abandon the pocket too quickly and this just didn’t start yesterday.
The Oline isn’t as bad as they looked yesterday. We won’t be facing a Brian Flores defense every week. Imagine adding a healthy Trotter and Bain to yesterday’s defense!
Todd isn’t close to being fired. This defense and JD will save the day. What could possibly go wrong?
September 28th, 2026 at 8:45 am
100 million guaranteed CAP HIT with Baker if it turns out that he is not the future quarterback for the Bucs
Too soon to be talking about the draft but a 1st QB pick would be a wise decision.
A few years with Baker and then a draft pick QB
September 28th, 2026 at 8:47 am
Bonzai, there was definitely blood
September 28th, 2026 at 8:50 am
Hodad Says:
September 28th, 2026 at 8:09 am
I’m sure Daniels can fumble away a game as good as Baker, don’t worry, be happy.
——————————————
Maybe but it won’t cost $165M
September 28th, 2026 at 8:51 am
It is not Baker you idiots. It is TB and ZR. They can coach to save themselves. There is no seperation with the WR. The game plan is pitiful. Anyone that can’t see this don’t have a clue. The Glazers messed up when the let Coen go. That is where the mistake was made.
September 28th, 2026 at 8:54 am
Baker is got trash
And his fanbase is dumb trash
September 28th, 2026 at 8:55 am
**Hot Trash**
September 28th, 2026 at 8:56 am
What have Coen won?
All you Coen fans are Hot trash
September 28th, 2026 at 8:58 am
This is just a pathetic football team
A pathetic Head Coach
A pathetic GM
A pathetic fanbase
September 28th, 2026 at 8:59 am
And the QB is the WORST in the NFL
2-10
September 28th, 2026 at 9:01 am
This is how dumb Lakeland is. His answer is “what has Coen won”. Wow, he took over a bottom feeding team idiot. It takes a while to bring a team around. You don’t win the SB when you sucked 2 years ago. But that is how stupid some are on this site. Our problem IS COACHING.
September 28th, 2026 at 9:11 am
“What it is Says:
September 28th, 2026 at 9:01 am
This is how dumb Lakeland is. His answer is “what has Coen won”. Wow, he took over a bottom feeding team idiot. It takes a while to bring a team around. You don’t win the SB when you sucked 2 years ago. But that is how stupid some are on this site. Our problem IS COACHING.”
Shuddup dude, they went 9-8 in 2022 & 2023 then went 4-13 in 2024, fact is Coen for a team that’s had like 16 picks in the first 2 rounds the 5 years leading up to him taking the team and a QB that’s younger, and more capable than the one he had in his only year in TB.
The way ya’ll talk about the difference in teams making it seem like the difference in teams is mostly dependent on who the HC shows the sports media pysop has worked on you in place of not having football knowledge of your own and knowing how the game even works.
It’s just a stupid, shared talking point that wouldn’t exist with the internet spreading it like VD.
September 28th, 2026 at 9:13 am
Take your time coming back Reagan. Seasons already over and I’m frankly tired of watching him play this year
September 28th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Everything is bad on this team right now. Thats an indication of poor coaching. Fix the problems at HC and find someone with answers, everything else will fall jnto place. Every stone has to be turned over on this team. If guys arent playing well then they sit until they do. The interior Oline needs to be reshuffled. Why not try Bredeson at C and Barton at G just to see. Then see what a personnel change looks like. On defense, I believe it is scheme issues. They played well with tighter coversge this week. Where was that before?!?!? Bowles is too slow. Ge gotta go.
September 28th, 2026 at 9:16 am
@Bee is right
baker will fight like hell to play sunday…he wont miss a game because he’s selfish not a competitor….
best news bucs can hope for is that baker is put on IR…
GO BUCS!!!!
September 28th, 2026 at 9:18 am
Here comes Easton Stick.
September 28th, 2026 at 9:23 am
I’m not going to lie, I’m kind of excited to see what Daniels can do
September 28th, 2026 at 9:23 am
“Ben Says:
September 28th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Everything is bad on this team right now. Thats an indication of poor coaching.”
BS, our defense was solid and only gave up like 2 first downs in the entirety of the 2nd half and all we have is an offense that can’t stay out if it’s own way long enough to do anything positive.
A’Shawn had a whole INT in FG positing, offense turns around gains ONE yard and kicks the FG. Terrible playing from terribly rich players.
September 28th, 2026 at 9:59 am
“Bucs15 Says:
September 28th, 2026 at 9:23 am
I’m not going to lie, I’m kind of excited to see what Daniels can do…”
I’ll remember you said that. 😅
September 28th, 2026 at 10:01 am
Thumb 👍🏼 up to Baker’s annual excuse. Just in time to slip any accountability and maybe net him a 3rd huge contract with our special GM
September 28th, 2026 at 10:08 am
Maybe we get Shaun King in 1999 vibes from Daniels….even wears #10. 4 year starter in college….what the hell, let’s go!