Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield was supposed to be out for a minimum of three games, according to head coach Todd Bowles.

Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb on his right hand, which is his throwing hand, in the final two minutes of last week’s 23-16 loss to Minnesota when he hit his thumb on the arm of Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman. Backup quarterback Jalon Daniels entered the game, but was unable to lead Tampa Bay on a game-tying score.

Daniels, an undrafted free agent out of Kansas who won the Bucs’ backup job in training camp and the preseason, is expected to start the next three games, including Week 4 against Green Bay on Sunday.

But Tom Pelissero reports that Mayfield’s return may be ahead of schedule. In his weekly The Sweep column, Pelissero suggests that Mayfield is targeting the Steelers game in Week 6 for his return.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Is Trying To Come Back Sooner Than Week 7

Baker Mayfield was originally supposed to miss at least three games with a right thumb that was so dislocated that it broke the skin in last week’s loss to the Vikings, which sent the Bucs spiraling to a 0-3 record. But NFL insider Tom Pelissero, formerly of NFL Network, reported on Saturday that Mayfield is scheduled to have his stitches removed on Monday, and that could accelerate his return to action.

Pelissero reports that Mayfield wants to only miss two games – versus the Packers at home on Sunday and on Thursday Night Football at Dallas on a short week – and return for the Steelers game in Week 7.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The issue with Mayfield’s dislocated thumb is not just his ability to tightly grip the ball and throw it with accuracy and velocity. It’s also the ability to take snaps under center without re-injuring his thumb during the snap from center Graham Barton.

Mayfield is the ultimate competitor, but just because he wants to return earlier than the projected three games he’s scheduled to miss doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. The Bucs will evaluate how well rookie backup quarterback Jalon Daniels plays in his first NFL start on Sunday versus Green Bay and his first road start on Thursday at Dallas before deciding when Mayfield will actually return to action.

Bucs QB Jalon Daniels – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Last year Mayfield, who will miss his first start in Tampa Bay since becoming the starter in 2023, played through a multitude of injuries and the result wasn’t good. Mayfield had his worst career season with the Buccaneers and the team was just 2-7 down the stretch after a hot 6-2 start.

Mayfield signed a three-year contract extension worth $165 million prior to the start of the season, but he hasn’t played well during the team’s 0-3 start, completing 61-of-96 passes (63.5%) with two touchdowns, two interceptions, a rushing touchdown and three fumbles.