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Baker Mayfield's thumb injury, sustained during the Week 3 clash with the Minnesota Vikings, has kept him sidelined, but the quarterback appears poised to make his comeback in Week 7. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' signal-caller was listed as a full participant in the team's practice report, indicating he is on track to start this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Mayfield's journey to Tampa Bay has been eventful. The Oklahoma product was the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. After beginning his rookie year on the bench, he quickly seized the starting role and delivered a promising campaign, completing 63.8% of his passes for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He even led the Browns to the playoffs and a Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, that success wasn't enough to secure his long-term future in Cleveland, as the team moved on to Deshaun Watson. Mayfield then had brief stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before finding a home with the Buccaneers.
Despite earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first two seasons with Tampa Bay, Mayfield struggled before his injury, guiding the team to an 0-3 start. In his absence, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels from Kansas took over under center. Daniels managed a 1-2 record as a starter but posted unimpressive statistics. Now, with Mayfield back, the Buccaneers hope to turn their season around.
At 1-5, Tampa Bay's playoff hopes might seem bleak, but the NFC South division offers a realistic path to the postseason. The Carolina Panthers currently lead the division at 3-2 and are the only team with a winning record. A victory over Carolina on Sunday would leave the Buccaneers just 1.5 games behind the division lead and would give them a head-to-head tiebreaker advantage. Head coach Todd Bowles could be coaching for his job, as a failure to reach the playoffs might result in his dismissal. That reality gives the team ample motivation to play hard for the remainder of the season.
Key Analysis
Mayfield's return comes at a critical juncture for the Buccaneers. His experience and leadership could provide a spark for a team that has struggled mightily without him. The division's weak standing means Tampa Bay is far from eliminated, and a win this week would tighten the race. However, questions remain about Mayfield's health and whether he can recapture the form that earned him Pro Bowl honors in previous years. The matchup against Carolina will be a telling indicator of whether the Buccaneers can make a serious push for the playoffs.
Originally reported by yahoo.