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Baker Mayfield Out 3–6 Weeks as Jalon Daniels Starts

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 1:05 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Buccaneers Start Daniels

The Buccaneers will start undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night.
Baker Mayfield is ruled out for 3–6 weeks with a dislocated right thumb.
All-pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. misses Thursday’s game due to a rib injury.
Daniels completed 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
He also rushed for 55 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry against the Packers.

Summary

Dallas Seeks Rest

A win would give Dallas extra rest before Sunday Night Football against Green Bay.
Special teams coach Nick Sorensen is criticized for penalties and missed field-goal blocks.
Tyler Smith may return after thumb surgery to strengthen the interior line.
Ends Donovan Ezeiruaku and Rashan Gary must pressure quarterback Jalon Daniels.
CeeDee Lamb recorded 189 yards and a touchdown on 17 catches last game.

History

Historical Context

When starter Trent Green tore his ACL in the 1999 preseason, undrafted Kurt Warner became St. Louis’s quarterback, sparked the “Greatest Show on Turf,” posted a 13-3 record and won Super Bowl XXXIV, earning league MVP. Buccaneers now face similar odds, turning to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels after injuries to Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr., reviving the precedent of surprise QBs reshaping depth-chart strategy.

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Buccaneers Start Daniels

The Buccaneers will start undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night.
Baker Mayfield is ruled out for 3–6 weeks with a dislocated right thumb.
All-pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. misses Thursday’s game due to a rib injury.
Daniels completed 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
He also rushed for 55 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry against the Packers.

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