Buccaneers evaluate quarterback situation after Baker Mayfield injury

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 7:17 AM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

Buccaneers evaluate quarterback situation after Baker Mayfield injury
Summary

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are struggling after starting the season 0-3. Baker Mayfield dislocated his thumb, expected to sideline him for at least three weeks. The Buccaneers now turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels as their starting quarterback, following his strong preseason performance. The decision raises questions about whether Tampa should have pursued J.J. McCarthy, recently traded to the New York Giants for a fifth-round pick, as a potential backup. McCarthy, once a top-10 pick, has yet to establish himself as a reliable starter.

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  • •Baker Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks due to injury.
  • •Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie, is now the starting quarterback.
  • •McCarthy was traded to the Giants for a fifth-round pick.
  • •Tampa's decision on its QB situation could impact playoff aspirations.
Latest Updates
  • 7:17 AMYahoo Sports — Should the Buccaneers Have Traded For J.J. McCarthy?
What they're saying
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Former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was just traded for a fifth-round pick. Should the Buccaneers have been the team to take a chance on him?

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