Buccaneers news: Jalon Daniels expected to start vs. Steelers, but Baker Mayfield’s return still exists

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, and there’s a chance Jalon Daniels will once again be the starting quarterback. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield is doing everything he can to get back as soon as possible from his hand injury, and he’s looking to take the next step in his recovery as soon as possible, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

“Highly expect Baker Mayfield to test his ability to catch and throw the football today. Whether he can do that effectively remains to be determined. Jalon Daniels is expected to start against the Steelers unless Mayfield recovers faster than expected. Next game is at Carolina after the Steelers Sunday,” Stroud wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Mayfield is always expected to be out for a few weeks, but being his competitor, it would be a surprise if he returned earlier than his original timetable. If he’s still struggling to hold onto the football now, he’ll probably need a week or two before the Buccaneers truly feel like he can get back on the field.

Daniels has started for Mayfield the past two games, and the Buccaneers are 1-1 in that stretch. He had his best game last week against the Dallas Cowboys, and looks ready for whatever the team needs him to do.

The upcoming matchup against the Steelers will not be easy, especially with TJ Watt on the other side of the ball. Just like he did against the Cowboys, he needs to keep drives going while also not turning the ball over. If he can do that, he could get the Buccaneers another win and buy Mayfield some time as well.