Baker Mayfield is finally back under center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a three-week absence, set to suit up against the division-rival Carolina Panthers in Week 7. It’s about time, right? The dude’s been out since Week 3 after dislocating his right, I repeat, *throwing* thumb against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Gimmick Glove and the Painful Return
Todd Bowles, the Bucs’ head coach, dropped the news Friday, confirming Mayfield practiced in full and is ready to roll. But this isn’t just a regular return. Mayfield’s rocking a *special* glove, custom-made with a restrictive plate on the back of his thumb. Why? So that thing doesn’t bend the wrong way again. Think about that for a second. Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse attendant Nick Bond literally ripped the thumb off a receiver’s glove and stuck a support in there. Mayfield says it’s not restricting, “just like me wearing a glove.” Sure, dude, whatever you gotta tell yourself. But it sounds like a Hail Mary to me.
Tampa Bay’s Play Has Been Rough, And It’s Not Getting Easier
Let’s be real, the Bucs have been through it without him. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels tried his best filling in, going 1-2 in his three starts. He completed 60 of 95 passes for 501 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. He added 117 yards on 19 rushes too. Not exactly lighting up the league, and even had an 0 for 3 with an INT against Minnesota at the end of that game.
Now, Mayfield himself wasn’t exactly a world-beater before his injury. Through three games, he only completed 63.5% of his passes for a measly 6.4 yards per attempt. Get this: *two* touchdowns and *two* interceptions. That’s not gonna cut it for an NFL starter. And to make things worse for his comeback, his No. 1 wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is listed as doubtful with a concussion and a foot injury. Seriously? Dude needs to turn it around *fast* to even sniff the NFC South race, and he’s gotta do it with a gadget glove and without his top target. This is gonna be a massive test.
Mayfield and the Bucs desperately need to kick things into gear *this Sunday* against the Carolina Panthers. If he can’t show “considerable improvement” from those dismal early-season numbers, that “NFC South race” they’re hoping for is going to be over before we even hit November. We’ll be watching to see if this special glove is a game-changer or just another bandage on a bigger problem.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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