Daniels gets first NFL start as Mayfield is ruled out; Godwin and Irving clear final report

Jalon Daniels will make his first NFL start against Green Bay on Sunday after Tampa Bay ruled Baker Mayfield out with a right thumb injury. Friday's final report also gives the rookie two available offensive options: Chris Godwin Jr. and Bucky Irving practiced fully and have no game designations.

Mayfield missed all three practices after dislocating the thumb against Minnesota in Week 3. Tampa Bay's Friday report formalizes the absence for the Packers game, while the team's account of its preparations confirms Daniels will start. The undrafted rookie won the backup job during training camp.

Daniels' preseason work included 239 passing yards and a passing touchdown, along with 37 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, according to the Buccaneers. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said this week that the rookie's confidence and energy had carried into his practice preparation for the start. Tampa Bay enters the game 0-3.

Godwin missed Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, then completed full sessions Thursday and Friday. Irving was limited the first two days with a glute injury before practicing fully Friday. Their completed practice weeks leave both without the game-status restrictions that apply to Mayfield.

The receiver rotation has another player Robinson wants to involve. Rookie Ted Hurst III caught a 40-yard touchdown against Minnesota, his lone reception in that game. Robinson said the offense needed to find ways to get him the ball. That stated intention gives context for watching Hurst with a new quarterback, without fixing his Sunday target count.

Tampa Bay also ruled outside linebacker Reuben Bain Jr., cornerback Benjamin Morrison and tight end Ko Kieft out. Linebacker SirVocea Dennis, defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches and cornerback Jacob Parrish are questionable. Yaya Diaby moved to full participation Friday with calf and shoulder injuries and has no game designation.

For RSO managers, Mayfield needs a replacement for Week 4. Daniels is a confirmed starting option for leagues that allow a quarterback pickup, while Godwin and Irving remain available under Tampa Bay's final report. The game begins Sunday, October 4, at 1 p.m. Eastern at Raymond James Stadium.

Earlier reporting (superseded by Friday final status)

Earlier reporting through Thursday afternoon, October 1

Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving were practicing Thursday, FOX Sports Buccaneers reporter Greg Auman reported, as Tampa Bay prepares for Jalon Daniels’ first NFL start against Green Bay. Godwin had been a nonparticipant Wednesday with an ankle injury; Irving was limited with a glute injury. Thursday’s observation does not yet give either player a full or limited designation.

Auman also reported Yaya Diaby and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches practicing. Jacob Parrish missed a second day for personal reasons, while Reuben Bain Jr. and Ko Kieft continued working with a trainer. Those observations describe the open portion of practice rather than Tampa Bay’s completed injury report.

Jalon Daniels is preparing for his first NFL start against Green Bay while Baker Mayfield recovers from a dislocated right thumb. Tampa Bay's Wednesday injury report listed Mayfield as a non-participant. The rookie's first week running the offense also comes with uncertainty around two other offensive players: Chris Godwin Jr. did not practice with an ankle injury, and Bucky Irving was limited with a glute injury.

The Buccaneers confirmed Wednesday that Daniels will start against the visiting Packers on Sunday, Oct. 4. In the team's report on his first practice as the starter, Daniels said he wanted the offense to operate smoothly through the quarterback change. Mayfield had encouraged him to stay composed and play his own game.

Daniels said he had been reviewing Green Bay film with Mayfield and Easton Stick, asking the veterans about possible answers to the defense's pressure and disguises. He expects opponents to test a rookie's ability to recognize what he sees before and after the snap. That preparation gives Tampa Bay a specific task this week as it seeks its first victory after an 0-3 start.

NBC Sports' Thursday report focused on Daniels' approach to leading the huddle. He described wanting to steady teammates through the highs and lows of a game. His opportunity follows a summer in which he beat out Jake Browning for the backup job after going undrafted out of Kansas.

Tampa Bay also changed its quarterback depth Wednesday. The team signed Brett Rypien to the practice squad and said Stick, who is on the practice squad as well, was expected to be Daniels' primary reserve. The club described Mayfield as expected to miss at least three games. That expectation leaves his eventual return date open.

For RSO managers, Daniels now has a confirmed starting opportunity against Green Bay. His own preparation and the team's confidence do not establish an NFL scoring floor. Godwin's non-participation and Irving's limited work are additional lineup questions, with Wednesday's report providing participation levels rather than final Sunday game statuses. The remaining practice reports and the active list will clarify which offensive players are available around the rookie.