Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to return Sunday after missing three weeks with a dislocated right thumb suffered in Week 3, barring any setbacks. The Bucs, sitting at 1-5, begin divisional play against the Carolina Panthers (3-2).
Mayfield was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and the team delayed its weekly quarterback media availability to get a better sense of the team's direction. Mayfield said he felt "very confident" in his ability to grip the ball. Although there was some tendon and ligament damage, and the dislocation created a wound that required stitches, he did not undergo surgery and believes rest and healing have made his thumb strong enough to play.
Mayfield has been practicing with a specially made glove that includes a pad on the back of the thumb to prevent it from bending backward again, with metal for reinforcement. The team's equipment staff sought help from the Tampa Bay Rays, who had previously assisted an athlete with a similar setup. Mayfield said that after an initial adjustment period, the glove feels like a normal glove. His main concern was the impact of the ball when taking snaps under center with Graham Barton, but he said it has felt great so far.
The initial prognosis was a three-week minimum, and Mayfield had aimed to return sooner, targeting a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. He admitted he wasn't at full strength then and felt backup Jalon Daniels gave the team a better chance to win. Despite his absence, Mayfield stayed involved, helping Daniels in meetings and coaching him during practice and on the sideline. Mayfield acknowledged the steep climb at 1-5, but said the team is taking it one game at a time.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing