Baker Mayfield hit the practice field as a full participant on Wednesday, and that’s about the best news the 1-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have hoped for right now. Why’s it so huge? Because with a brutal 1-5 record, they’re still somehow, bafflingly, in the hunt for the NFC South, and a Week 7 clash against the 3-2 Carolina Panthers is literally make-or-break for any division or playoff dreams. If they drop this one, forget it. They might as well pack it in for the year. Getting their starting quarterback back is everything for this team.
Baker’s Thumb Gets The Green Light (For Now)
Talk about a sigh of relief in Tampa. The Week 7 injury report for Wednesday’s practice dropped, and the big takeaway? Their starting $165 million quarterback, Baker Mayfield, was a full participant. He’d been dealing with a right thumb injury, but for now, it looks like he’s good to go. This isn’t some casual practice, folks. This is the update the Bucs needed to see if they’re going to keep their slim hopes alive.
Now, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Emeka Egbuka didn’t participate, sidelined by a concussion and a foot injury. Bucky Irving was also a DNP, thanks to an illness. That’s a bummer, absolutely. But let’s be real, the focus was all on Mayfield. Getting your main guy back in full? That’s the headline, no question. Jalon Daniels has been a fun story, for sure. He even led the team to their lone win this season, beating the Dallas Cowboys in primetime. That’s cool, but let’s not kid ourselves. Mayfield is the guy they need under center, especially with their backs against the wall like this.
Do-or-Die Week 7 Against Carolina
So, what does full participation on a Wednesday actually mean? Well, all signs are pointing to Mayfield suiting up for Week 7. The big test now is Thursday’s practice. If he’s out there again, going full throttle, then you can pretty much bet he’s starting on Sunday. But, and this is the kicker, if that thumb starts acting up again after a full day of work, then the Bucs are back to square one, staring at a whole lot more doubt.
As of Wednesday afternoon, though, this is the best possible news they could have received. This timely return for their veteran QB, especially for such a huge matchup, could be the spark they desperately need. A loss to the 3-2 Carolina Panthers would basically wave the white flag on their division chances, and any shot at the playoffs. They’re 1-5, but still “in the race” for the NFC South. That’s wild, and it means every single snap matters. Mayfield playing is their best shot.
This Week 7 game against the Panthers is everything for the Buccaneers. They NEED this win to stay relevant in the NFC South. Keep an eye on that Thursday injury report, but for now, Mayfield’s full participation gives them a fighting chance. It’s go-time, and they’re bringing their main man to the fight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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