The verdict has just been handed down for Baker Mayfield

Things are getting seriously complicated for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will have to do without their starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, for at least three weeks.

The veteran dislocated his right thumb—his throwing hand—during Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

The injury occurred in the final minutes of the game. On a fourth-down play with 13 yards to go, Mayfield was hit by linebacker Blake Cashman as he attempted to throw the ball. His pass was intercepted by Andrew Van Ginkel, and the Buccaneers' quarterback immediately fell to the ground, clutching his hand.

Baker Mayfield was eventually carried off the field by medical staff. Initial X-rays showed no fractures, but an MRI was scheduled to determine the exact severity of the injury. The scan ultimately confirmed that there was no significant additional damage to his thumb.

A Rough Start to the Season for Tampa Bay

This absence is another blow for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, who now sit at 0-3 following their loss to Minnesota. This marks Tampa Bay's first 0-3 start since 2014.

Before leaving the game, Mayfield had completed 17 of 34 passes for 217 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He had also started 57 consecutive games for Tampa Bay since joining the team in 2023, a streak that will come to an end in the next game.

Rookie Jalon Daniels is expected to step in. The quarterback, a product of the University of Kansas, made his NFL debut against the Vikings after Mayfield's injury. However, he was unable to complete any of his three pass attempts during that brief appearance.

The Buccaneers will now have to prepare for their next game against the Green Bay Packers without their starting quarterback. According to the timeline announced by the team, Baker Mayfield could return after about three weeks on the sidelines.

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