Vikings beat Buccaneers 23-16, Mayfield dislocates thumb as Tampa Bay falls to 0-3

Vikings 23, Buccaneers 16: how it went

Minnesota controlled this one from special teams and defense more than the passing game. Myles Price took a punt back 86 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter, and Will Reichard added a 54-yard field goal on the opening series, putting the Vikings up 10-0 before Tampa Bay answered.

Baker Mayfield found Ted Hurst III for a 40-yard touchdown to cut it to 10-7, and Chase McLaughlin tied it at 10 with a 28-yard field goal in the second quarter. Jordan Addison's 41-yard touchdown catch from Kyler Murray put Minnesota back ahead 17-10, and that lead held through a run of field goals down the stretch. McLaughlin kicked from 38 and 54 yards to pull Tampa Bay within one, 17-16, but Reichard answered with field goals from 56 and 43 yards in the final four minutes to seal it at 23-16.

Mayfield's thumb, and how it happened

With 1:54 left and Tampa Bay facing fourth-and-13, Mayfield's pass was intercepted by Andrew Van Ginkel. On the throw, his right hand struck linebacker Blake Cashman and dislocated his thumb. He was replaced by rookie Jalon Daniels, an undrafted free agent from Kansas, who threw an interception on the final drive. Coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield would have an MRI on Monday, Sept. 28, to find out "exactly what inside is wrong with it." As of Monday morning, that result had not been announced. Mayfield finished 17 of 34 for 217 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and took six sacks. His 54 regular-season starts with Tampa Bay are tied for the most in the league over that span, and he has never missed a start for the Bucs.

Records and reaction

Minnesota is 3-0 for the second time in three years. Tampa Bay is 0-3 for the first time since 2014, a season that ended 2-14. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell called the win "an all-out, full team effort" and said the home crowd was "unbelievable to have that many in the house." Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin Jr. said "it's not ideal" and that "we have to pull ourselves out of this hole." Kyler Murray, playing in his first full game back from a concussion he sustained in the season opener, went 15 of 29 for 168 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Other injuries to watch

Minnesota also lost two-time All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, who did not return after an ankle injury in the first quarter and is listed questionable. Tight end Josh Oliver is doubtful with a biceps strain, and Charles Demmings is questionable with a hamstring issue. For Tampa Bay, receiver Jalen McMillan is questionable with a left knee injury, while Josiah Trotter (shoulder) and Billy Schrauth (coach's decision) are both out.

Facts per ESPN box score, source. Opinion is the taproom's.