With the defeat, the Buccaneers drop to 1-5 through six games. Tampa Bay will return to action in Week 7 for a divisional matchup against the Carolina Panthers as they continue to evaluate their starting quarterback’s recovery.
Baker Mayfield’s return could hinge on his practice workload this week. Head coach Todd Bowles indicated Mayfield is expected to practice on Wednesday, and the team will assess his readiness throughout the week. Bowles noted that Mayfield’s ability to throw and handle the football with his injured right-thumb dislocation will be key factors in determining whether he can play against Carolina. Mayfield did not practice last week and was ruled out prior to the Steelers game.
If Mayfield cannot play, Jalon Daniels is expected to start again. Daniels, an undrafted rookie, started his third straight game against Pittsburgh, completing 22 of 43 passes for 164 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked five times in the overtime loss. Daniels previously contributed to the Buccaneers’ Week 5 win over the Dallas Cowboys (24-16). Through three starts, he has a 1-2 record for Tampa Bay.
Mayfield has been out since dislocating his right thumb late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. An MRI confirmed the dislocation but found no fracture or tendon tear.
The Buccaneers will need to gauge Mayfield’s throwing capability and ball-handling with the thumb injury as they prepare for the upcoming game against the Panthers.
