TAMPA, Fla. — Former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is getting his first NFL start.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will turn to the undrafted rookie quarterback this weekend against the Green Bay Packers after starter Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb in Sunday’s 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks.
“It’s consistent with everything we thought it was, a dislocation,” Bowles said. “Right now we’re probably talking a minimum of three weeks.”
That opens the door for Daniels, who spent six seasons at Kansas and became one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent Jayhawks history.
Daniels finished his KU career with 67 touchdown passes and 31 interceptions before going undrafted in the 2026 NFL draft. He signed with Tampa Bay and earned a spot on the 53-man roster after beating out veteran Jake Browning for the backup quarterback job during training camp.
Now, three games into his rookie season, Daniels will be asked to lead an 0-3 Tampa Bay team looking for its first victory.
“His performance speaks for itself when he’s out there,” Bowles said. “His confidence speaks for itself and they rally around him. It’s going to be like every other rookie. But he played well in the preseason. He’s very bright. He’s not going to be out there by himself. We just expect him to do his job and play at a high level, as he expects of himself.”
Daniels will become the first rookie quarterback to start for Tampa Bay since Jameis Winston in 2015. Tom Brady started every game for the Buccaneers from 2020-22 before Mayfield took over in 2023.
Mayfield had not missed a start since joining Tampa Bay.
He injured his throwing hand Sunday when it struck Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman as Mayfield attempted a desperation fourth-down pass late in the fourth quarter. The pass was intercepted.
An MRI showed no ligament damage or fracture, allowing Mayfield to avoid surgery. Tampa Bay also might keep him off injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games.
Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension before the season. He has thrown two touchdown passes and two interceptions through three games while losing three fumbles and taking 13 sacks behind a struggling offensive line.
Easton Stick is on Tampa Bay’s practice squad and could be elevated to serve as Daniels’ backup against Green Bay unless the Buccaneers add another veteran quarterback.