Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield is out vs. Steelers, but when could he return from injury?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers without their starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, who is recovering from a dislocated thumb. Mayfield is set to miss his third consecutive game this Sunday, but there is growing optimism about his potential return in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers. This would be the Buccaneers' first NFC South game of the season and would give Mayfield a chance to regain his momentum after being sidelined for an extended period.

The injury occurred during Tampa Bay's Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and although medical tests showed no additional damage, Mayfield's ability to grip and throw the ball remains crucial for his return. Head coach Todd Bowles has stated that Mayfield's availability for Week 7 is still uncertain, but rushing the veteran quarterback back into action has been avoided.

In his absence, rookie Jalon Daniels has taken over as the starting quarterback for the Buccaneers, having recently led the team to a 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Mayfield's return against Carolina would provide a significant boost as Tampa Bay prepares for its next divisional matchup. For now, the Buccaneers will need to navigate the game without their starting quarterback, with the next week's progress determining whether the anticipated return will materialize.