Report: Baker Mayfield Could Miss 3 to 6 Weeks With Hand Injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to be sidelined for three to six weeks, according to sources cited by ESPN.

The timeline for Mayfield's return hinges largely on how quickly he is able to regain a firm grip on the football, the sources said, suggesting the injury affects his hand.

Uncertain timeline

Because the recovery window depends on a functional benchmark — Mayfield's grip strength — rather than a fixed date, the exact length of his absence remains uncertain. A quicker-than-expected recovery could see him back nearer the three-week mark, while complications could push his return closer to six weeks.

The Buccaneers have not yet detailed who will start at quarterback in Mayfield's absence, though the team is expected to adjust its depth chart to manage the gap created by his injury.

What it means for Tampa Bay

Mayfield has been a central figure in the Buccaneers' offense, and an extended absence would require the team to lean on its backup options while he recovers. The severity of the injury and its impact on the team's performance will likely become clearer as the coming weeks unfold.

ESPN reported the timeline citing sources familiar with the situation; the Buccaneers have not issued a detailed public statement on the exact nature or expected duration of the injury.