The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turn to QB2 Jalon Daniels following Baker Mayfield's injury. How will the rookie UDFA QB fare after a strong preseason?
To add insult to injury, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost multiple key offensive performers in Sunday's 23-16 loss against the Minnesota Vikings.
Starting wide receiver Jalen McMillan suffered a PCL sprain in his left knee, with early estimates predicting 6-8 weeks of missed time. Injuries have become a concern with McMillan, who continues to be sidelined for significant time.
But, starting quarterback Baker Mayfield's injury is the big story, as the recently extended QB suffered a thumb injury late in the game.
After being hit in an already aggravated area of his hand, Mayfield went down in agony, exiting the game and heading to the locker room.
He was sacked six times on Sunday, which likely added wear and tear to the injury, but this final hit was the breaking point.
Mayfield did not return, and head coach Todd Bowles confirmed he would be heading in for X-rays and additional testing.
On Monday, Bowles announced that Mayfield's MRI revealed no fracture and no damage to the ligament or tendon, which is a positive sign.
But, Mayfield will still be out a "minimum" of three weeks, according to Bowles, as the already-struggling Bucs suffer another big blow.
While Mayfield has struggled through the opening three weeks of the season, he is the leader of the locker room and huddle.
Having him sidelined definitely lessens the level of energy and competitive juice on the field, but could be the spark Tampa's offense needs.
Backup quarterback Jalon Daniels, who was one of the biggest depth chart risers around the entire NFL this offseason, steps into the starting role, and could help the Bucs get back on track.
In preseason, Daniels led the Bucs to two victories, with the first coming against the New York Jets, and the second being a comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
These performances, coupled by Daniels' consistency and energy around the facilities, earned him the backup role, beating out proven NFL QB2 Jake Browning.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson even went as far to say that Daniels has one of the best arms he has been around, which is strong praise for a guy who has coached gunslingers like Michael Penix Jr. and Matthew Stafford.
Now, as he prepares for his NFL regular season debut, the Bucs are in desperate need of a victory to keep their season from spiraling.
Daniels will face off with the Green Bay Packers, who have also underperformed to this point, but have talent littered across the defense.
Bowles said Daniels will lean on the other 22 guys out there "helping him out," while calling the former Kansas standout "bright" and unlike other rookies.
