Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is not playing today against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season because of a dislocated right thumb.
Mayfield suffered the injury during Tampa Bay’s 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, leaving the Buccaneers without their starting quarterback for Sunday’s matchup against Green Bay.
What Happened to Baker Mayfield?
Mayfield injured his right thumb on his throwing hand late in the Buccaneers’ Week 3 game against the Vikings.
The injury occurred on a fourth-and-13 play when Mayfield’s throwing hand was hit. Initial X-rays reportedly showed no fracture, but further evaluation revealed a dislocated thumb significant enough to keep him out of action.
Because the injury is to Mayfield’s throwing hand, Tampa Bay will be cautious with his recovery before allowing him to return to game action.
How Long Will Baker Mayfield Be Out?
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles indicated that Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks because of the thumb injury.
That timetable means Mayfield’s absence could extend beyond the Week 4 matchup against Green Bay.
His recovery will be an important storyline for Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers move deeper into their 2026 schedule.
Who Is Starting at Quarterback for the Buccaneers vs. Packers?
With Mayfield unavailable, rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will start for the Buccaneers against the Packers.
It will be Daniels’ first NFL start, putting the young quarterback into a significant early-season matchup against Green Bay.
Tampa Bay also elevated veteran quarterback Easton Stick from the practice squad to serve as Daniels’ backup.
The Buccaneers’ quarterback depth chart for Week 4 is therefore:
- Jalon Daniels — Starter
- Easton Stick — Backup
- Baker Mayfield — Out (right thumb)
Is Baker Mayfield Playing Today?
No. Baker Mayfield is officially out for the Buccaneers vs. Packers game in Week 4 because of his dislocated right thumb.
Instead, Tampa Bay will turn to Jalon Daniels as it attempts to keep its offense moving without Mayfield.
Packers vs. Buccaneers Week 4 Game Information
Matchup: Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Buccaneers starting QB: Jalon Daniels
Baker Mayfield status: Out — dislocated right thumb
Mayfield’s absence represents a significant challenge for Tampa Bay, especially with a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. The Buccaneers will now look to Daniels to manage the offense while Mayfield works toward returning from his throwing-hand injury.