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

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.
- •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.
- 7:17 AMYahoo Sports — Should the Buccaneers Have Traded For J.J. McCarthy?
"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?
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 30, 2026, 8:28 AMBrian Schottenheimer Gave Brutal Self-Assessment in Stunning Cowboys Loss
NFL•Sep 30, 2026, 7:33 AMGiants’ Brian Burns questionable to return vs. Titans due to knee injury
NFL•Sep 30, 2026, 7:17 AM‘Never Seen That Type of Play Coming From J.J. (McCarthy)’ — Cam Newton Questions Why Giants Didn’t Turn to Bears Hero After Jaxson Dart’s Injury
NFL•Sep 30, 2026, 6:35 AM‘Hope All Is Well,’ ‘More Celebrity Than Athlete’ — Ex-NFLers React as Giants Cut Odell Beckham Jr. Reunion Dramatically Short
NFL•Sep 30, 2026, 5:58 AMPackers Emerge as Possible Odell Beckham Jr. Suitor- NFL•Sep 30, 2026, 4:53 AMPatriots rookie TE Eli Raridon announces death of newborn son after fatal birth defect diagnosis
