Team news: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wide receiver Jalen McMillan left Tampa’s 23-16 loss to the Vikings with a left knee injury. Per multiple reports, McMillan will miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a PCL injury.

Related players: Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Ted Hurst, Tez Johnson, Jalon Daniels

The hits keep coming for the Bucs, whose season is on the brink of total disaster after losing QB Baker Mayfield for at least three weeks and currently sitting at 0-3. Now, they will be short a wide receiver as well. McMillan had just one target over the first three weeks of the season. Rookie Hurst, who had a great camp and offseason, looks poised to earn more snaps with McMillan out, but it will be another rookie in Daniels under center at least for the short term. Hurst could be worth a stash in the deepest of leagues but this will be a wait-and-see situation.

Sources: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb but got good news on the MRI. No fracture and no ligament or tendon damage.

Related players: Jalon Daniels

It's a quick update from the original report we had earlier today. Rapoport said in the earlier post Mayfield was looking at a timeline of 2-4 weeks for his dislocated thumb, but it would be much longer if there was additional damage. The Buccaneers have just recently come out and said it will be a minimum of three weeks Mayfield is out, according to a story on Pro Football Talk.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (thumb) to miss at least 2-4 weeks.

Related players: Jalon Daniels, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell

Mayfield dislocated his right thumb, according to Rapoport, and is scheduled for an MRI. Rapoport said the best case is Mayfield missing 2-4 weeks. But, it could be a lot longer if Mayfield tore ligaments in his thumb. The MRI will likely answer those questions, but it looks like Daniels will take over as the Bucs QB, and it likely means a big downgrade for the Tampa weapons.

Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles announced that QB Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb during Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Mayfield left the game in the fourth quarter. He will undergo an MRI Monday but he is expected to miss some time as a result. He threw for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception before exiting. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels would be in line to start while Mayfield is out. 0-3 Tampa hosts 1-2 Green Bay next week.

Jalen McMillan was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice as he continues working back from a knee injury.

Related Players: Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Ted Hurst, Tez Johnson, Cade Otton

McMillan appears on track to return, although another full practice Thursday would strengthen that expectation. His presence would likely push rookie Ted Hurst out of the three-receiver package and make both Hurst and Tez Johnson difficult to use. McMillan himself remains a bench option until his role becomes clearer.

Todd Bowles said Jalen McMillan and Sean Tucker are doubtful against Cincinnati despite both practicing on a limited basis Friday. Neither experienced a setback, but the Buccaneers expect to proceed without them. Emeka Egbuka is “full-go.”

Related Players: Chris Godwin, Ted Hurst, Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, Josh Williams

Egbuka can be started without injury concerns and gains additional target stability with McMillan unlikely to play. Rookie Ted Hurst should receive more reps as Tampa Bay’s third receiver. Tucker’s expected absence consolidates the active backfield around Irving and Gainwell, while practice-squad back Josh Williams could be elevated.

Apparently, Baker Mayfield is no longer feeling disrespected.

According to a joint report from NFL Network and ESPN, Mayfield and the Buccaneers have agreed to a three-year extension, putting him under contract through the 2029 season.

The deal is reportedly worth $165 million, which works out to $55 million a year, the story said. Mayfield had cut off extension talks at the beginning of training camp, telling reporters at the time that he had felt disrespected by the Bucs’ offer to him. But he also kept the door open to his agent potentially still talking numbers with the team, the story said. Those who follow the team reported things weren't as bad between the two sides as many thought, however. The story added Mike Garafolo reported the two sides weren't that far apart at the start of camp. From a fantasy perspective, Mayfield enters this season ranked 18th among our QBs, making for a lower-end QB2 option.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters last week that receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan were “headed in the right direction” as they deal with their respective injuries.

Both players took a step forward to start the week.

According to multiple reporters on the scene, Egbuka and McMillan both returned to practice on Monday — a positive sign for their Week 1 availability.

Related players: Chris Godwin, Tez Johnson, Ted Hurst

Egbuka has been dealing with a toe injury, while McMillan has a knee injury. It makes for a big impact on the Bucs WR depth chart as Egbuka is considered the team's WR1 and McMillan is in the mix for the WR3 spot with Johnson and the rookie Hurst, who is coming off a great camp and offseason.

Ted Hurst III has progressed from a future-focused prospect into a player expected to have a role this year

Related players: Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson

Jason Licht was quoted in the story as saying Hurst has proven himself throughout camp and OTAs. Once thought of as a future prospect, the Bucs now believe they can use him this season, and he's going to play a role. Hurst has had a very positive summer when it comes to press. He was only a later-round option in dynasty leagues this past spring, and while he still may be off the radar in typical redraft leagues, it's easy to see how he can earn some time behind Egbuka and Godwin this season.

Emeka Egbuka traveled to Jacksonville with the team this week but is resting his toe injury. I’d be surprised if we see him next week. Focus is on having him back for Week 1 vs. Bengals.

Related Players: Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, Ted Hurst

Tampa Bay appears to be deliberately preserving Egbuka for Week 1, but his prolonged absence adds some draft-day uncertainty. The previous favorable diagnosis prevents an aggressive downgrade, though his participation in team drills will be important next week. Godwin would receive the clearest target boost if Egbuka is unavailable or limited, while Johnson, Hurst, and the Buccaneers’ other depth receivers could receive additional reps.