newsweek
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will aim for their second consecutive victory when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in Week 6 on Sunday. The Buccaneers began the season with four straight losses but secured a 24-16 upset over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, powered by running back Bucky Irving's 165 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
That win marked the first career victory for backup quarterback Jalon Daniels. Now, it appears the Buccaneers will rely on Daniels to deliver his second win on Sunday. According to multiple reports, Daniels is slated to start against the Steelers because Baker Mayfield did not return to practice on Thursday.
Mayfield sustained a dislocated thumb on his right (throwing) hand during the Buccaneers' 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. On Wednesday, head coach Todd Bowles stated that Mayfield is improving, but the team does not want to start him unless he is at 100% on game day. That could also mean Mayfield misses the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
"Not at this time. Nothing has changed," Bowles said regarding Mayfield's status, via The Tampa Bay Times. "I mean, he's getting better. We'll see how much he throws and how he looks. I can't answer that until he throws the ball, where he's at. If he's not 100%, he doesn't need to play."
Daniels, an undrafted rookie out of Kansas, completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown in the win over the Cowboys. However, that performance came against one of the league's worst defenses, and with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. inactive due to an illness. Through three games, Daniels has thrown for 337 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
While Daniels has played well, Tampa Bay needs its franchise quarterback back as soon as possible to make a push in the NFC South. For more on the Buccaneers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Originally reported by newsweek.