Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is reportedly set to take an important step in his recovery from a dislocated right thumb as he attempts to return ahead of his initial three-week timeline.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Saturday that Mayfield is scheduled to have the stitches removed from his injured thumb Monday.

“Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is scheduled to have stitches removed from his thumb Monday — an important step as he pushes to beat the three-week timeline for returning,” Pelissero wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Mayfield suffered the injury late in Tampa Bay's 23-16 Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. The quarterback injured his throwing hand on a fourth-quarter play when he was hit while attempting a pass that was intercepted. He left the game and did not return for the Buccaneers' final possession.

An MRI later revealed no fracture or tendon damage, and head coach Todd Bowles announced that Mayfield was expected to miss a minimum of three weeks. The injury also ended Mayfield's streak of 57 consecutive starts since joining Tampa Bay in 2023.

Buccaneers turn to Jalon Daniels as Baker Mayfield continues recovery

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Before suffering the injury, Mayfield completed 17 of 34 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Minnesota. Through three games this season, the veteran has completed 61 of 96 passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while posting an 80.0 passer rating. Tampa Bay lost all three of those starts.

The Buccaneers will now turn to rookie Jalon Daniels as they attempt to earn their first victory of the 2026 season. Daniels is set to make his first NFL start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers after replacing Mayfield late in the loss to Minnesota.

Tampa Bay enters the Week 4 matchup at 0-3, while Green Bay sits at 1-2. The Buccaneers and Packers will kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

Mayfield will not be available for that matchup, but having his stitches removed Monday represents another step toward returning to the field. If he can beat the original three-week recovery timeline, the Buccaneers could get their starting quarterback back sooner than initially expected as they attempt to recover from their winless start.