Jalon Daniels Prepares for Another Start as Mayfield Recovers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to be readying themselves for another game without their starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield. With Mayfield still recovering from a thumb injury on his throwing hand, rookie Jalon Daniels may lead the team once more when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Reports confirm Mayfield missed practice on Thursday, increasing the probability that Daniels will start for the third consecutive game.

Mayfield suffered the injury during the Buccaneers’ Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and has since been unable to participate in the last two games. While there was initial hope that he could play against Pittsburgh, his absence from practice clouds his availability. Head Coach Todd Bowles stated Mayfield’s readiness would depend on his ability to grip and throw the football effectively.

“Nothing has changed. He’s getting better. We’ll see how much he throws and see how he looks,” Bowles explained.

Bowles emphasized they would not rush Mayfield’s return if he is not fully fit. Daniels, an undrafted rookie from Kansas, has been showcasing improvement. In Week 4, he made his first career start against the Green Bay Packers, followed by a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Daniels completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, helping snap Tampa Bay’s four-game losing streak.

In that game, running back Bucky Irving contributed significantly with 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This balance could be critical against Pittsburgh, whose record stands at 3-2. The Steelers’ pass rush, featuring T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, presents a formidable challenge.

Daniels’s mobility offers Tampa Bay alternative offensive strategies. So far, he has completed 38 of 55 passes for 337 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, along with 87 rushing yards. Despite the challenges of transitioning to professional football, his recent performance has shown promise.

While Mayfield remains the Buccaneers’ leading quarterback, another game with Daniels could be valuable for his growth. Before his injury, Mayfield had completed 63.5% of his passes for 615 yards, managing two touchdowns and two interceptions. His return will affect the team positively as they aim to build on their first win of the season. However, with his current condition, Tampa Bay seems poised to rely on Daniels for their upcoming matchup, barring any late improvements from Mayfield.