Baker Mayfield Dodges Major Thumb Injury, But the 0-3 Buccaneers Are Still Sinking

Baker Mayfield's thumb is structurally intact, which is great news for his long-term health and terrible news for anyone forced to watch the 0-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers try to play offense without him.

Tom Pelissero reported Monday that tests on Mayfield’s right thumb showed no fracture and no tendon or ligament damage following Sunday's dislocation. The catch is that the veteran quarterback still needs to regain grip strength and is expected to miss some time.

"Tom Pelissero reported the tests showed no fracture and no tendon or ligament damage, calling it 'good news overall.'"

The injury happened during a 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings that dropped Tampa Bay to a miserable 0-3 on the season. When your starting quarterback dislocates his throwing thumb and the medical update is framed as a positive, you know the season is already teetering on the edge of a cliff.

Calling this good news overall is technically true in a medical sense, but it feels a lot like telling a guy on a sinking ship that his life jacket is a very flattering shade of orange. The Buccaneers are winless, the offense is sputtering, and now they have to navigate the immediate future with a backup under center.

Oddsmakers are going to have a field day adjusting the lines for Tampa Bay's Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. If you thought the Buccaneers were a tough watch with a healthy Mayfield, wait until you see what a backup quarterback looks like trying to salvage a season that is already three games in the hole.