Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles offered an update on Baker Mayfield as the quarterback works toward a return from his dislocated thumb.
“I think he’s coming along fine,” Bowles said Wednesday. He added that the team will monitor Mayfield through the week and evaluate how his thumb responds to throwing. A decision on whether Mayfield starts against the Carolina Panthers is expected Friday.
Mayfield returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring his throwing hand in Tampa Bay’s Week 3 loss to Minnesota. He wore a glove on his right hand and split reps with rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, giving the staff a look at his progress.
The thumb injury has kept Mayfield out of Tampa Bay’s last three games. The Buccaneers have turned to Daniels in his absence, but Mayfield’s return would provide experience for a divisional matchup.
Bowles said Mayfield looked better as practice progressed and felt comfortable throwing with the glove. Still, one practice does not mean he is ready for a full game. The staff must assess his grip, accuracy and ability to take snaps without aggravating the injury.
The Buccaneers enter the week after a 26-19 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, dropping them to 1-5. Tampa Bay squandered a 13-point fourth-quarter lead, making the next game important as the team tries to stop its slide.
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The Buccaneers visit Carolina on Sunday, with Daniels preparing in case Mayfield cannot return. Keeping both quarterbacks ready gives Tampa Bay flexibility while the medical staff evaluates the starter.
For now, Bowles’ update is positive but not final clearance. Friday’s assessment should clarify whether Mayfield can return, and the team must weigh his readiness against the risk of aggravating his thumb.
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