Buccaneers announce Baker Mayfield practice update after fifth loss
· Yahoo Sports
Baker Mayfield missed his third consecutive game on Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a 26-19 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tampa Bay led 16-3 entering the fourth quarter but surrendered its advantage as Aaron Rodgers led Pittsburgh’s comeback. Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels threw two interceptions in the final quarter, and the Steelers scored the winning touchdown in overtime.
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The defeat dropped the Buccaneers to 1-5 through six games. Tampa Bay will return to the field in Week 7 for a divisional game against the Carolina Panthers as it waits for its starting quarterback to recover.
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Baker Mayfield Expected to Practice Wednesday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6). Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.Head Coach Todd Bowles confirmed Monday that Mayfield is expected to practice Wednesday, according to Buccaneers reporter Brianna Dix. Bowles noted that the team would evaluate the quarterback during the week to determine what he can do.
However, it remains unclear whether Mayfield will be ready to start against the Panthers on Sunday. The veteran did not practice last week and was ruled out before the Steelers game.
Todd Bowles says Baker Mayfield is supposed to practice on Wednesday and they will evaluate him this week to see what he is able to do.
— Brianna Dix (@briannadixNFL) October 19, 2026
Bowles said after Sunday’s defeat that he expected to have a clearer answer once he saw Mayfield on the practice field Wednesday.
The Buccaneers will need to see how well Mayfield can throw and handle the football with his injured thumb.
Jalon Daniels Will Start if Baker Mayfield Is Not Ready
Daniels is expected to remain the starter if Mayfield cannot return against Carolina. The undrafted rookie made his third consecutive start against Pittsburgh, completing 22 of 43 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown while throwing two interceptions. He was also sacked five times in the overtime defeat.
Daniels previously helped the Buccaneers secure their first win of the season with a 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. However, Sunday’s loss left Tampa Bay at 1-2 in his three starts.
Mayfield has been sidelined since dislocating his right thumb, his throwing hand, late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. An MRI confirmed the dislocation but found no fracture or tendon tear.
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