Buccaneers Signed Brett Rypien to Practice Squad

The team added the veteran quarterback following news that Baker Mayfield will miss three weeks with a thumb injury.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a football quarterback mid-throw, rendered in a gestural painting style with team colors. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed veteran quarterback Brett Rypien to the practice squad on Tuesday following Baker Mayfield's thumb injury. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed 30-year-old quarterback Brett Rypien to the practice squad after Baker Mayfield sustained a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks of play.

Why it matters

The signing provides immediate depth at the quarterback position as the team manages Mayfield’s recovery. With the starter sidelined, Tampa Bay has had to adjust its roster to ensure readiness for upcoming games.

Brett Rypien has appeared in 11 career NFL games and holds a 2-2 record as a starter. He has played for nine different NFL teams throughout his career.

The players

Brett Rypien

He is an NFL quarterback who has played for nine different teams and holds a 2-2 record as a starter.

Baker Mayfield

He is a professional quarterback currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jalon Daniels

He is a quarterback who has been named the starter for the upcoming game against the Packers.

Easton Stick

He is a professional quarterback who is expected to be promoted to the active roster.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The professional American football team based in Tampa that competes in the NFL.

The details

Following a meeting on September 29, 2026, the Buccaneers moved to bolster their ranks while Mayfield recovers from his injury. The team also plans to promote Easton Stick from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to address the current vacancy.

2019: Easton Stick trained for the NFL combine.
2022: Brett Rypien played for the Denver Broncos.
2023: Brett Rypien played for the Los Angeles Rams.
September 29, 2026: Brett Rypien met with the Buccaneers.
October 4, 2026: Jalon Daniels will start against the Packers.

Season Trajectory

The roster move underscores the fragility of the quarterback room in the current NFL season. By signing a veteran like Rypien, the Buccaneers are attempting to maintain competitive stability while their primary starter recovers.

The promotion of Easton Stick and the signing of Brett Rypien change the team's depth chart configuration for the next three games. Fantasy managers should note that Mayfield is unavailable for selection until he recovers from the hand injury.

The takeaway

Depth at the quarterback position remains a critical factor for teams navigating the attrition of a professional season. Teams often rely on experienced veterans to stabilize the roster when primary starters face short-term injuries.