NFL
Baker Mayfield Ruled Out Again as Buccaneers Prepare for Steelers
Todd Bowles says Mayfield’s right thumb will keep him out Sunday. Tampa Bay will also be without safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
Baker Mayfield will not play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday because of his right thumb injury, Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Friday. The announcement keeps Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback out for another week as the team tries to improve on a 1-4 record.
The Buccaneers’ official update says rookie Jalon Daniels will make his third consecutive start after earning his first win at Dallas last week. Mayfield dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand near the end of the Week 3 game against Minnesota and has not returned to practice.
Running back Sean Tucker’s status was less settled. Bowles said Tucker, who has a quadriceps injury, could be a game-time decision. His availability therefore remains a separate question from Mayfield’s confirmed absence.
Bowles also ruled out safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who has a cracked rib, for a second straight game. The coach said it was too early to determine whether Mayfield could return in Week 7 against Carolina. Friday’s announcement therefore settles the Pittsburgh game without establishing the quarterback’s clearance date.
