Baker Mayfield Injury Update, Latest NFL Rumors on Bucs QB's Recovery, Return Timeline

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has taken a step in his recovery from a dislocated right thumb that could potentially allow him to return a bit sooner than expected, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Saturday.

Mayfield, who suffered the injury to his throwing hand in a Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings, has already been ruled out for Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Pelissero reported on his Substack that Mayfield is "scheduled to get stitches removed from his right thumb on Monday—an important step as Mayfield pushes to return to action as soon as possible."

Bucs coach Todd Bowles told reporters Monday Mayfield would be sidelined for at least three weeks with the injury. Mayfield "hopes to beat that timeline," Pelissero reported.

"He got good news from tests that showed no fracture or ligament or tendon damage," Pelissero reported. "Now it's a matter of reducing the swelling and removing the stitches, which bother him when he grips the football. There's also a healing process that must take place after the stitches are out, and he has to be able to grip the ball without stability issues."

Pelissero estimated it would be "tough, but not impossible" for Mayfield to return for Week 5.

Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will be under center against the Packers. The Bucs are then scheduled to play at the Dallas Cowboys on short rest Thursday night before hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers 10 days later.

Bowles said he didn't expect Mayfield to need surgery or a trip to the injured reserve, indicating he expected the quarterback by at least a Week 7 matchup at the Carolina Panthers.

Mayfield suffered the injury when his thumb bent back on a hit by Vikings defender Blake Cashman after throwing an interception in the fourth quarter of the Bucs' Week 3 loss last Sunday.

He underwent an MRI the following day which revealed no fracture, no ligament damage and no tendon damage, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Mayfield was spotted at practice this week with his injured thumb immobilized, per Pewter Report.

Mayfield completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 615 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions prior to his injury on the Bucs' way to an 0-3 start.

Only seven teams have recovered from an 0-3 record to make the playoffs, per NBC Sports' Mike Florio.

The 1992 Chargers are the only team to qualify for the postseason after starting a season with four straight losses.

Daniels will be tasked with keeping the Bucs afloat until Mayfield is able to return by leading the team to victory in his first NFL start Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Tampa.