Baker Mayfield has thrown just two passing touchdowns through three 2026 games while posting a low 80.0 passer rating and absorbing 13 sacks, reflecting offensive-line struggles and reduced efficiency compared to his 41-touchdown 2024 campaign and 26-touchdown 2025 season. His right-thumb dislocation sustained in Week 3 against Minnesota has sidelined the Buccaneers starter for a projected three-to-six weeks, with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels under center for at least the upcoming stretch versus Green Bay, Dallas, and Pittsburgh. Mayfield’s return timeline hinges on regaining grip strength without surgery, after which the Bucs face a mix of favorable and challenging matchups that will determine his volume and red-zone opportunities for the remainder of the 17-game schedule.