Is Baker Mayfield playing this week? Injury update for Buccaneers QB

On the same day the Rays are set to begin their second World Series appearance this decade, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also announced Friday, Oct. 23 they’re getting back quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters that Mayfield worked through a regular string of practices in Week 7 and that the quarterback “looks like he’s ready to go.” The Bucs’ starter has missed three games since he dislocated the thumb on his right (throwing) hand late in the fourth quarter of a Sept. 27 clash with the Minnesota Vikings.

Bowles said after the quarterback’s diagnosis at the time that he’d miss at least three weeks with the injury. Reports emerged in Week 5 indicating that Mayfield wanted to beat the three-week timeline, but he did not participate in any practices for the last three weeks. Things changed for the better for Mayfield this week – Tampa Bay listed him as a full participant in every practice on its Week 7 injury report.

Here’s what to know ahead of the Buccaneers’ meeting with the Panthers:

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Is Baker Mayfield playing this week?

Bowles indicated that Mayfield would return as the Buccaneers’ starter in their Week 7 matchup with the Carolina Panthers.

The 31-year-old quarterback was a full participant in practice every day this week after missing three games (and nine practices) with a dislocated thumb. Mayfield said he’s been wearing a glove on his right hand to help protect his thumb from taking more hits in practice.

“(It’s) not restricting because it’s on the back side. The trainers and equipment staff did an incredible job. I mean, they even went to somebody that works with the Rays to be able to work on something specific that they’ve done in the past,” Mayfield said.

“For me, just getting used to it. I don’t feel the difference. It’s just like me wearing a glove.”

Buccaneers QB depth chart

Baker Mayfield (questionable – thumb)

The Buccaneers only have two quarterbacks on their active roster in Week 7 as Mayfield is expected to return despite his official designation as questionable. Daniels, the undrafted free agent rookie who filled in for the veteran for three starts, will return to his role as backup after leading the Bucs to a 1-2 record.

Tampa Bay also has two quarterbacks on its practice squad: Easton Stick, who served as Daniels’ backup for the last three weeks, and Brett Rypien.