# Buccaneers 0-3 start, Mayfield injury deepen struggles

> Buccaneers start 0-3 with Mayfield injury after historic 12-game losing streak.
- Title: Buccaneers 0-3 start, Mayfield injury deepen struggles
- Summary: Buccaneers start 0-3 with Mayfield injury after historic 12-game losing streak. Buccaneers begin 2026 season 0-3 with Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb…
- Keywords: buccaneers, baker mayfield, nfl, tampa bay, tampa bay buccaneers, nfl 2026, dislocated thumb, 0-12 against spread, todd bowles, nfc south, sports, 0-3
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/buccaneers-0-3-historic-bad-stretch-baker-mayfield-injury
- Published: 2026-09-28T14:49:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: buccaneers, baker mayfield, nfl, tampa bay, tampa bay buccaneers, nfl 2026, dislocated thumb, 0-12 against spread, todd bowles, nfc south, sports
## Buccaneers start 0-3
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin the 2026 season 0-3 after a 12-game losing streak.
## Mayfield injury complicates season
Baker Mayfield left Sunday's loss with a dislocated thumb, raising concerns about his availability.
## 0-12 against spread streak
The Buccaneers are 0-12 against the spread in the Super Bowl era, losing all eight games they were favorites in.
## Coach Bowles defends record
Todd Bowles says last year's record is irrelevant to this season's direction, emphasizing current performance.

> We understand that, but it's this season now
## Mayfield contract concerns
Mayfield's $55 million per year contract places him third in NFL pay for quarterbacks, but his performance has regressed.
## 0-12 losing streak impact
The Buccaneers are the only 0-3 team in the NFC with a losing record in the NFC South division.
## What happens next
The Buccaneers must improve quickly to avoid further playoff qualification challenges.
## Key takeaway

Buccaneers begin 2026 season 0-3 with Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb injury after a 12-game losing streak.