Jalon Daniels takes Baker Mayfield’s advice into his first NFL start

Jalon Daniels says Baker Mayfield’s advice for his first NFL start was to stay composed and play his own game. The undrafted rookie will lead Tampa Bay against Green Bay on Sunday while Mayfield recovers from a thumb injury.

“This is a dream come true,” Daniels said in the Buccaneers’ Wednesday report.

Daniels described Mayfield’s message as: “Just stay composed, play as yourself.” The words are Daniels’ account of their conversation, rather than a separate comment Mayfield made to reporters.

The rookie has been preparing with Mayfield and Easton Stick as he takes on the starting assignment. Daniels said he expects Green Bay to test him with pressure and disguised looks. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson expressed confidence in his command of the offense.

The Buccaneers said Daniels will be the first undrafted rookie quarterback to start a regular-season game in the franchise’s 51-season history. He arrived from Kansas, where he appeared in 49 games and threw for 9,282 yards.

The opportunity follows Mayfield’s injury against Minnesota. Coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Mayfield would miss at least three weeks. Tampa Bay’s assessment did not call for surgery, but that minimum timetable does not guarantee a return in the fourth week.

Daniels will interrupt Mayfield’s run of 57 consecutive regular-season starts. Tampa Bay is 0–3 and will host a 1–2 Green Bay team.

Friday’s injury update confirmed Mayfield was out. For Green Bay, guards Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk were ruled out, while linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was questionable.

Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. in Edmonton, at Raymond James Stadium. FOX carries the U.S. game. Canadian viewers can check our Week 4 watch guide for the full schedule and streaming coverage.