Brief
Baker Mayfield Dislocates Thumb in Buccaneers’ 23‑16 Loss to Vikings
The Buccaneers’ winless start deepens as quarterback Baker Mayfield exits the game with a dislocated thumb after a hit from a Vikings defender.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand during the fourth quarter of a 23‑16 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Mayfield will undergo an MRI on Monday to assess any ligament damage, as X‑rays showed no fracture.
Mayfield’s injury occurred on his final pass of the game, a desperation throw while evading pressure on fourth‑and‑13 from the Buccaneers’ 39‑yard line with 1:54 remaining. Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman delivered a hit that caused the thumb dislocation. Mayfield remained on the field in visible pain before leaving the locker room with ice on his hand, according to ESPN.
With the injury, the Buccaneers remain winless at 0‑3, having lost their first three games of the season. The team’s poor start follows a three‑year, $165 million extension signed by Mayfield only five days before the season opener. Mayfield has already struggled, losing three fumbles and throwing no touchdown passes in a 33‑27 road loss to the Bengals in Week 1, and a 23‑19 home loss to the Browns in Week 2.
Co‑defensive coordinator Jalon Daniels replaced Mayfield for the final drive, throwing an interception on a Hail Mary attempt that sealed the Vikings’ victory. Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs described the moment as “shock” and noted Mayfield’s competitive nature.
The injury adds to a season of challenges for the Buccaneers, who are now scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Head coach Todd Bowles said the team must “get our stuff together” and improve to avoid further setbacks.
Key facts
- Mayfield dislocated thumb during fourth quarter of 23‑16 loss to Vikings (nypost.com)
- MRI scheduled for Monday to assess ligament damage (nypost.com)
- X‑rays showed no fracture (nypost.com)
- Mayfield was hit by Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (nypost.com)
- Buccaneers remain winless at 0‑3 after three losses (nypost.com)
Background
Earlier in the season, Mayfield’s performance has been questioned after a 23‑19 loss to the Cleveland Browns, where he blamed a sweaty ball for a key interception. The Buccaneers have also struggled with consistency and ball security since signing Mayfield to a long‑term extension.
Why it matters
The injury threatens to derail the Buccaneers’ already struggling season and raises questions about the team’s ability to compete in the NFC South.
What happens next
Mayfield will undergo an MRI on Monday; the Buccaneers will face the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Baker Mayfield suffers dislocated thumb as Buccaneers’ nightmare start worsens”
