Baker Mayfield Expected to Start for Buccaneers Against Panthers Following Three-Week Absence

Quarterback Baker Mayfield was a full participant in Wednesday and Thursday practices as he prepares to return from a dislocated right thumb.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to start Sunday’s divisional game against the 3-2 Carolina Panthers. Mayfield has missed three weeks of action due to a dislocated right thumb suffered in Week 3, an injury that involved tendon and ligament damage and required stitches but no surgery. The 1-5 Buccaneers enter the contest following a period where backup Jalon Daniels started three games, including a primetime victory.

Mayfield was a full participant in both Wednesday and Thursday practices this week. To protect his throwing hand, he is utilizing a reinforced glove featuring a metal-backed pad on the thumb to prevent it from bending backward. The specialized equipment was developed with assistance from the Tampa Bay Rays staff. Mayfield noted that while he must adjust his release point and grip pressure to account for the glove's stickiness, he feels confident in his ability to handle exchanges from center Graham Barton.

During his absence, Mayfield served as an advisor to offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and provided sideline coaching for Daniels. The team held a meeting earlier this week to address a struggling passing game and issues with timing and landmarks. Mayfield acknowledged that he initially targeted a return last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers but determined he was not yet 100% healthy at that time.