Undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels had his coming-out party in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ prime-time upset of the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old, making only his second NFL start, played with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Daniels earned the first victory of his career and the first of the season for the Bucs. 

Daniels was 19-for-25 for 189 yards with one touchdown. He also ran five times for 25 yards before a pair of victory formation kneel-downs. 

Most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over, although he had a potentially devastating pick-six dropped late in the game. 

However, Daniels played an outstanding game overall, and the win pumped life into the Bucs’ season after starting a dreadful 0-4. 

The rookie was given the unenviable task of keeping the season alive while starting quarterback Baker Mayfield recovered from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand late in Week 3’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. 

Mayfield has missed the last two games, the first contests he has missed in his 3+ seasons in Tampa. Despite reports suggesting he was close to returning much sooner than his original estimate of being out at least three weeks, it appears the Bucs are preparing to be without Mayfield for at least one more game. 

Reported by Bucs writer Scott Smith, head coach Todd Bowles says that he expects Daniels to be under center once again when Tampa takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.

“Right now, we plan on starting Jalon Daniels against the Steelers,” Bowles said on Friday. 

Bowles appeared to leave the door open for a Mayfield return against Pittsburgh. 

The Bucs have a mini-bye after playing Thursday night. They have 10 days to recover before the next game, giving Mayfield plenty of time to continue his recovery before the Bucs have to make a decision. 

While the plan “right now” may be to roll with Daniels, things might change by the time Tampa takes the field again. 

No matter who starts against Pittsburgh, the Bucs will be taking on a Steelers team that has been as inconsistent as any team in the league and has an offense that has struggled mightily with Aaron Rodgers at QB. They are 2-2 heading into this week’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. 

The way Daniels has played, especially against the Cowboys, there is no need to rush Mayfield back if he is not fully healthy by next Sunday. 

If Mayfield is able to return for Week 6, Daniels has certainly done his job by keeping the season alive in Mayfield’s absence. 

Whether Daniels or Mayfield gets the nod against the Steelers, the Bucs must find a way to build on their win over Dallas if they want to get back in the NFC South race.