This week’s iteration of “Thursday Night Football” will be the Jalon Daniels Show Episode II: Attack of the Clones Cowboys.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers only need to travel to Arlington, Texas – not a galaxy far, far away – for their matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. But much like the Republic, the Buccaneers are headed into a hostile environment with their leader unable to use his right hand.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss the “Thursday Night Football” clash as he continues to recover from his right thumb injury. Daniels, the rookie quarterback who made his first career start last week, will start a second straight game for Tampa Bay in Week 5.
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Daniels has had some trouble leading the Bucs’ offense in his two appearances so far this year. The undrafted free agent rookie is 19-for-30 on pass attempts for 148 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in his two outings. He has also rushed for 64 yards on nine attempts.
After facing the Vikings and Packers, the rookie has an easier test ahead against the Cowboys’ shaky defense as he continues in relief of the injured Mayfield. Daniels will hope to lead Tampa Bay to its first win of the season on Oct. 8.
Here’s what we know so far about Mayfield’s status and return timeline:
Is Baker Mayfield playing tonight?
No, the Buccaneers have already ruled Mayfield out of their “Thursday Night Football” meeting with the Cowboys in Week 5. The veteran quarterback was a non-participant in every day of practice this week, according to the team’s official injury report.
Baker Mayfield injury update
The Buccaneers’ quarterback has been ruled out for Week 5 with his dislocated thumb injury, but reports indicate he is trying to beat the recovery timeline set for him.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said on Sept. 28 that Mayfield would miss at least three weeks with a dislocated right thumb. On Oct. 3, Tom Pelissero of Netflix and The Ringer reported that Mayfield was scheduled to have stitches in his thumb removed on Oct. 5 in a push to get back on the field before the end of that three-week timetable.
For that to happen, Mayfield would need to return by next week’s matchup with the Steelers. It’s unclear whether that is a realistic outcome, given that the veteran has yet to return to practice in any capacity. Next week’s first injury report on Oct. 14 will provide more clarity.
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Buccaneers QB depth chart
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Baker Mayfield (out – thumb)
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Jalon Daniels
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Easton Stick
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Brett Rypien (practice squad)
The Buccaneers only rostered two quarterbacks entering the 2026 season and already will have their depth tested.
Stick, whom Tampa Bay elevated from the practice squad last week, will be Daniels’ backup again in Week 5. Rypien signed with the Bucs’ practice squad on Sept. 29, a couple of days after Mayfield’s thumb injury.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baker Mayfield injury update ahead of Week 5 clash with Cowboys