Baker Mayfield out for Week 6 as Jalon Daniels starts for Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield is ruled out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Week 6 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a thumb injury, allowing rookie Jalon Daniels to make his third consecutive start.
Key points
- Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb in Week 3 and remains out for Week 6.
- Head coach Todd Bowles stated Mayfield was not ready to play after missing three days of practice.
- Rookie Jalon Daniels will make his third consecutive start for the 1-4 Buccaneers.
- Daniels has completed 63.5 percent of passes for 615 yards and two touchdowns this season.
- The Buccaneers host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
Baker Mayfield ruled out of Week 6 matchup
Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb in Week 3 of the 2026 season against the Minnesota Vikings and remains out of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineup heading into Week 6.
An MRI confirmed the dislocation but found no fracture or tendon tear, and head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield was not ready to play after he missed practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Jalon Daniels takes over as starter
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is set to make his third consecutive start for the 1‑4 Buccaneers.
Daniels led Tampa Bay to a win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 and has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, while adding 11 carries for 65 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Buccaneers look to build on first win
The Buccaneers will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, hoping to build on their first victory of the season.
While the team remains a 2.5‑point underdog, optimism exists that Mayfield could return in Week 7, though no guarantee has been given.
Your questions, answered
Why is Baker Mayfield out for Week 6?
Mayfield is out due to a dislocated right thumb sustained in Week 3, and head coach Todd Bowles said he was not ready to play.
Who is starting for the Buccaneers in Week 6?
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is set to make his third consecutive start for the team.
When is the Buccaneers next game?
The Buccaneers will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
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