How long is Baker Mayfield out? Latest updates on Buccaneers QB's thumb injury

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 23-16 in their Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings, marking their third consecutive defeat to open the 2026 NFL season.

That said, Tampa Bay's bigger loss during the game was that of its starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who exited the game late with a thumb injury.

Mayfield was injured on the Buccaneers' penultimate drive and was unable to return to the game. Now, it looks like he is in legitimate danger of missing his first start with Tampa Bay after starting 57 consecutive games, postseason included, since signing with the franchise ahead of the 2023 NFL season.

Here's everything to know about Mayfield's injury and when he may return to the field for the Buccaneers.

How long is Baker Mayfield out?

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield will miss "a minimum of three weeks" with the injury, seemingly avoiding an IR stint. According to multiple reports, an MRI revealed no fracture and no ligament or tendon damage to the thumb.

What happened to Baker Mayfield?

Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb injury in the Buccaneers' Week 3 game against the Vikings.

Mayfield's injury occurred during a fourth-and-13 play late in the fourth quarter. He was desperately scrambling back in the hopes of an open receiver but failed to do so as three Vikings converged on him.

Mayfield was able to get off a last-ditch heave that fell incomplete well short of the line to gain, but he hit his right thumb hard against Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman on the play. The 31-year-old quarterback's thumb bent awkwardly as a result of that contact, and he immediately doubled over in pain, grabbing at his throwing hand.

Below is a full look at the play that left Mayfield injured.

#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield appears to injury his right thumb after this INT to allow the #Vikings to seal a win. pic.twitter.com/jF3QGYVKAB

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2026