How much time could Baker Mayfield miss with dislocated thumb?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback situation took an unexpected turn on Sunday when Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb during their loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The injury, which occurred late in the fourth quarter following a collision with Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, has left the team's future at the position uncertain.

Thankfully, initial X-rays did not reveal a fracture, providing some reassurance. However, Mayfield is expected to undergo an MRI to assess the extent of his injury. A dislocated thumb can vary in severity, with ligament damage potentially causing him to miss a significant amount of time. If the damage is minimal, Mayfield could return to the field within two weeks. Conversely, a more serious ligament injury could sideline him for several weeks and possibly necessitate surgery.

As of now, there is no official timetable for Mayfield's return, and the Buccaneers are already 0-3, making them reluctant to fall further behind early in the season. Even a brief absence could force the team to rely on rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, who impressed throughout the preseason but faces an entirely different challenge should he need to step up in critical games.

The outcome of the MRI results will be crucial in determining the extent of Mayfield's absence and the impact it will have on the Buccaneers' season.