Jalon Daniels Gets Unexpected Opportunity After Baker Mayfield Injury
Former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels received an unexpected opportunity Sunday when Baker Mayfield suffered a right thumb injury during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Mayfield was injured late in the fourth quarter after taking a hit while attempting to convert a fourth-and-13. He stayed on the ground holding his right hand before eventually leaving the field with trainers.
After the game, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb and will undergo an MRI. The full timeline is still unknown, but reports indicate Mayfield is expected to miss time.
That immediately put Daniels into the spotlight.
The former Kansas quarterback entered the game for Tampa Bay’s final possession, giving him his first significant regular-season opportunity in the NFL.
Daniels did not have much time to settle in. He completed none of his three passing attempts and threw an interception on the final play of the game. However, he did show his athleticism on the ground, scrambling for nine yards on his first rushing attempt.
His first NFL appearance was certainly not the performance Daniels wanted, but the circumstances were difficult. He entered with Tampa Bay trailing 23-16 and less than two minutes remaining, leaving little room for error.
The Buccaneers now have a major decision to make at quarterback.
Tampa Bay is scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday, and if Mayfield is unable to recover in time, Daniels could be in line to make his first NFL start. Mayfield's MRI and subsequent medical evaluation will ultimately determine his availability, but the injury creates a legitimate opportunity for the rookie.
For Daniels, the situation represents a significant change from where he began the season.
The former Jayhawk entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie and had spent the early part of the season behind Mayfield. Now, he could potentially have an entire week to prepare as Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback.
Daniels has experience handling pressure from his time at Kansas, where he became the Jayhawks’ starting quarterback and developed a reputation as a dual-threat player.
His athletic ability could give Tampa Bay another dimension if he gets the start against Green Bay. However, his limited experience means the Buccaneers will have to determine how much of the offense they can put on his shoulders.
The Packers game could become one of the biggest moments of Daniels’ young career.
Mayfield’s injury will be the primary focus for Tampa Bay throughout the week, but Daniels now has an opportunity he could not have expected entering Sunday.
If Mayfield cannot play, the former Kansas quarterback could make his first NFL start just one week after taking his first regular-season snaps.
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Jimmy Adeniran is a contributor to JayhawksROUNDTABLE. He can be reached at [email protected]
