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With starting quarterback Baker Mayfield expected to miss at least three games with a dislocated thumb, the Bucs hosted a veteran QB for a visit on Tuesday – and signed him to the practice squad.

Brett Rypien, nephew of former Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien, visited One Buccaneer Place on Tuesday and was added to the practice squad. NFL insider Aaron Wilson first reported the news of Rypien’s visit on X.

Tampa Bay will start backup quarterback Jalon Daniels, an undrafted free agent, on Sunday versus the Packers as the team is still looking for its first win of the season. With Mayfield unavailable, Easton Stick will be elevated from the practice squad to serve as Daniels’ backup.

The 30-year old Stick has only seen action in two NFL seasons – both with the Los Angeles Chargers – during the 2020 and 2023 season. Stick was 0-4 in four starts in 2023 and has completed 111-of-174 passes (64%) for 1,129 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

During Monday’s press conference, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles foreshadowed Rypien’s addition when asked if the team planned on adding another quarterback with Mayfield out of action.

“Either a veteran or a practice squad one in that span,” Bowles said. “We’ll go with Jalon, and we’ll go play, and we’ll see what’s out there that we can bring in to help out on the practice squad or help out on the team.”

Bucs Signed Veteran QB Brett Rypien To Practice Squad

Brett Rypien played college football at Boise State where he developed into one of the program’s most accomplished passers. He went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft before signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent.

Rypien spent his first several NFL seasons with Denver, making his regular-season debut in 2020. That season, he appeared in three games and made one start, completing 27-of-40 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns. He also saw limited action in 2021 before earning another opportunity to start in 2022. That season, Rypien appeared in four games and made two starts, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns while gaining valuable experience operating an NFL offense.

Former Rams QB Brett Rypien – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

After his time with the Broncos, Rypien joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 where he worked with current Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who was the Rams quarterbacks coach at the time. He appeared in two games and made one start, completing 13-of-28 passes for 172 yards and one touchdown. He subsequently spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals organizations before continuing to pursue opportunities around the NFL.

Through his NFL career, Rypien has appeared in regular-season games for Denver and Los Angeles and has gained experience working within multiple offensive systems. His NFL background includes 11 regular-season appearances and four starts, giving him experience both preparing as a backup and stepping into the lineup when called upon.

The Bucs nearly signed Rypien as QB3 in 2024, but opted for former Rams quarterback John Wolford instead.