Baker Mayfield’s Thumb Stitches Set for Removal as He Aims to Beat Three‑Week Timeline

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports Mayfield’s stitches are scheduled for removal Monday, with the quarterback hoping to shorten a three‑week recovery after a dislocated thumb.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 22:37:39 GMT

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is slated to have the stitches from his dislocated right thumb removed on Monday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, as the player hopes to beat the three‑week recovery timeline that coach Todd Bowles gave him.

What happened

Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb in the fourth quarter of the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, a injury that forced him out of the game and led to a projected three‑week absence. He received stitches on the injury and was ruled out of the Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

What the reports add

Sportskeeda noted that Pelissero reported the stitches would be removed on Monday and that Mayfield “hopes to beat” the three‑week timeline. Bleacher Report added that tests showed no fracture, ligament or tendon damage, and that the removal of the stitches is a key step before Mayfield can grip the ball without pain.

What was said

Tom Pelissero told Sportskeeda, “Mayfield will have the stitches removed on Monday as he hopes to beat the three‑week timeline.”
Pelissero also told Bleacher Report, “He got good news from tests that showed no fracture or ligament or tendon damage… Now it’s a matter of reducing the swelling and removing the stitches, which bother him when he grips the football.”
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles told reporters that Mayfield would be sidelined for at least three weeks.

How it came about

Mayfield’s thumb injury followed a winless start to the season; the dislocation was first reported after the 23‑16 loss to the Vikings on September 28 (Bucs thumb injury). Earlier in the season, Mayfield had drawn attention for a “sweaty ball” interception in a loss to the Browns (Mayfield sweaty ball interception). The current update marks the first step toward a possible return ahead of the projected timeline.

Key facts

Mayfield dislocated his right thumb in Week 3 against the Vikings (bleacherreport.com)
Stitches are scheduled to be removed on Monday (sportskeeda.com)
Tests showed no fracture, ligament or tendon damage (bleacherreport.com)
Coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield will miss at least three weeks (bleacherreport.com)
Mayfield was ruled out of the Week 4 game vs. the Packers (sportskeeda.com)