BUCCANEERS QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD TO MISS WEEKS WITH THUMB INJURY

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has said quarterback Baker Mayfield will be sidelined for around three weeks after dislocating his thumb, according to a report from CBS Sports. The same report said the injury could keep Mayfield out of action for longer than Bowles' initial estimate. With Mayfield unavailable, the Buccaneers are set to start an undrafted rookie quarterback in his place, the report said. The material reviewed did not give the rookie's name. The reports did not include detail on how Mayfield sustained the injury.

Bowles gave the three-week timeframe in his capacity as the Buccaneers' head coach, CBS Sports reported. CBS Sports said the exact timeline for Mayfield's return remains unconfirmed beyond that initial estimate. Mayfield has been Tampa Bay's starting quarterback this season, according to the reports. One report described the injury as leaving Tampa Bay's season "hanging in the balance." The same report did not specify further results or fixtures affected by Mayfield's absence.

The Buccaneers have not confirmed a definite return date for Mayfield beyond Bowles' initial estimate, according to the reports. CBS Sports said the dislocated thumb could require a longer recovery period than first expected. In the meantime, the undrafted rookie quarterback is expected to take over starting duties for Tampa Bay, the report said. Mayfield himself did not offer further comment in the material reviewed. The Buccaneers' coaching staff has not set out additional contingency plans beyond the rookie's elevation to starter, according to the reports.