Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield hasn’t played since injuring his thumb vs. the Minnesota Vikings on September 27. The struggling Buccaneers hit the road for an NFC South battle at the Carolina Panthers next in Week 7.
Will Mayfield play in his first game since Week 3? The 1-5 Bucs could certainly use their starter in an attempt to knock off the first-place Panthers (3-2) in the NFC South.
Below, we’ll analyze the latest Baker Mayfield injury update, his latest practice status, and how his injury impacts fantasy football and Buccaneers vs. Panthers picks for PrizePicks.
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Baker Mayfield Injury Update: Is Mayfield Returning From Thumb Injury This Week?
After sitting out the last three games, Mayfield returned to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. That's an encouraging sign for Week 7 vs. the Panthers — especially when he's been a full participant this week.
Mayfield is currently sporting a white glove to provide support to his dislocated right thumb. He's played through injuries during his career and is confident he’s now at the stage where he can return.
Mayfield sustained the injury on a fourth-down play late in the loss to the Vikings. An MRI the next day confirmed no fracture or tendon tear.
Based on his statement, Mayfield could be willing to play vs. the Panthers. We’ll see if the Buccaneers give him the green light. Below, we’ll explore what Mayfield’s potential return could mean for fantasy football and Buccaneers picks for PrizePicks in Week 7.
Buccaneers Fantasy Football Outlook If Baker Mayfield Returns From Injury
Mayfield is gaining momentum towards returning in Week 7. His status is still unknown, but an official status should arrive on Friday afternoon.
The 6-foot-1 215-pound Mayfield has revitalized his NFL career with the Buccaneers. He earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024 during his first 2 seasons in Tampa.
However, Mayfield has been uneven this season with 2 TDs, 2 INTs, and a 37.1 QBR. Typically, Mayfield brings his A-game vs. the Panthers, so his potential return could be impactful. He’s 6-1 vs. Carolina during his career, throwing 10 TDs against 5 INTs.
Buccaneers rookie QB Jalon Daniels has taken Mayfield’s place. In his last outing, Daniels went 22 of 43 for 164 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs in the 26-19 overtime loss vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Even if Mayfield is back, another key offensive weapon might be missing. WR Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) sat out practice on Wednesday and Thursday after exiting in the fourth quarter vs. the Steelers. He’s the Buccaneers’ top wide receiver with 28 receptions for 240 yards and 2 TDs.
If Mayfield is cleared, the Buccaneers could opt for a more run-heavy game plan to settle him back in action.
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This week features encouraging signs that Baker Mayfield could be back for the Buccaneers in Week 7 vs. the Panthers. Yet the status of WR Emeka Egbuka might affect Mayfield’s productivity in the passing attack if he’s under center on Sunday.
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