Baker Mayfield is testing a glove on his throwing hand as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers evaluate whether he can return against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The quarterback wore the glove during Wednesday’s practice while working his way back from a dislocated right thumb.
Mayfield initially began the session without the glove but put it on after a few throws. The adjustment suggests it is helping him grip and throw the football with his injured thumb, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports.
The practice marked Mayfield’s first time back on the field since suffering the injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 27. He has missed Tampa Bay’s last three games.
The injury occurred late in Tampa Bay’s 23-16 loss to Minnesota. Mayfield dislocated his right thumb on a fourth-down play and underwent an MRI the following day. The examination revealed no fracture or tendon tear, but coach Todd Bowles said the quarterback would miss at least three weeks.
Mayfield completed 61 of 96 passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions across his first three games. He also rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries before the injury interrupted his season.
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His return would give Tampa Bay its established starter back as it enters a key divisional matchup. The Buccaneers are 1-5 after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime last week, while the Panthers lead the NFC South at 3-2.
Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels has started during Mayfield’s absence. He went 22-of-43 for 164 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against Pittsburgh as Tampa Bay fell to its fifth loss of the season.
Mayfield’s participation on Wednesday was an encouraging step, but the glove alone does not confirm he is ready to play. The Buccaneers will continue evaluating his grip, throwing ability and response to practice before deciding who starts against Carolina.
