Should I Start Baker Mayfield?

Thursday, October 15, 8:15 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) was not spotted at Thursday's practice, according to Pewter Report, another concerning development for his potential Week 6 return against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mayfield has missed two consecutive games since dislocating his right thumb during Tampa Bay's Week 3 loss to Minnesota and was also listed as a non-participant Wednesday. Head coach Todd Bowles previously indicated that rookie Jalon Daniels was likely to make his third straight start this weekend, with Mayfield's ability to grip and throw the football remaining an important hurdle in his recovery. The 31-year-old completed 61 of 96 passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions before suffering the injury. Daniels has shown improvement since taking over, completing 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown in last Thursday's 24-16 victory over Dallas. Mayfield has not officially been ruled out against Pittsburgh, but another absence from practice leaves Daniels positioned to remain under center.