Baker Mayfield Injury Update, Latest On Bucs QB's Status vs. Panthers After Return to Practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles revealed that he'll make a decision regarding quarterback Baker Mayfield's availability on Friday ahead of a Week 7 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, per ESPN's Jenna Laine.

Mayfield has missed each of Tampa Bay's past three games due to a dislocated right thumb that he suffered during a Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but returned to practice on Wednesday.

Bowles explained that Mayfield threw the ball well during Wednesday's session and did well in what he was asked to do, per Laine.

If the signal-caller isn't able to suit up against Carolina, the Buccaneers will stick with Jalon Daniels under center.

Daniels, an undrafted rookie, has appeared in four total games this season. He's completed 61.2 percent of his throws for 501 yards and three touchdowns compared to five interceptions.

As for Mayfield, health woes haven't kept him off the field during his tenure in Tampa Bay prior to the thumb injury. He didn't miss a game across his first three seasons on the Buccaneers from 2023-25.

If the two-time Pro Bowler is able to return against Carolina, it would mark a relatively swift recovery.

ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported that Mayfield was expected to be sidelined "anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on how quickly he is able to grip the football."

The veteran passer wore a glove on his throwing hand in Wednesday's practice while taking snaps, throwing and participating in ball security drills.

Mayfield dealt with some inconsistency to open his 2026 campaign prior to the injury, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 615 yards and two touchdowns while getting picked off twice in three contests. He also lost three fumbles.

The Buccaneers have struggled both with and without Mayfield, sitting at the bottom of the NFC South standings with a 1-5 record.

Kickoff between Tampa Bay and Carolina is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.