cbssports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is set to return to action this week against the Carolina Panthers after sitting out the previous three games with a right thumb injury. To facilitate his comeback, Mayfield received an unexpected assist from a local World Series participant.
Mayfield will sport a custom glove designed to safeguard his throwing thumb, a creation provided by the training staff of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Buccaneers initially contacted Nike, which had produced a similar protective glove for MLB standout Mike Trout. That inquiry eventually reached the Rays, who are currently competing in the 2026 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, and they offered their assistance.
The Rays dispatched a member of their equipment staff to the Buccaneers' facility to collaborate with Mayfield and fabricate the glove. According to the Tampa Bay Times, clubhouse attendant Nick Bond altered a wide receiver glove by cutting away material around the thumb and inserting a protective element. Two versions were created: one featuring hard plastic and another resembling a soft cast.
Mayfield described the glove's feel, stating, "[It's] not restricting because it's on the backside. For me, just getting used to it. I don't feel the difference. It's just like me wearing a glove."
Rays equipment manager Tyler Wall expressed confidence in Bond's abilities and detailed the collaborative process. "I said our guy can do anything," Wall remarked. "They worked together and kind of Frankensteined a glove together, working with their trainers, Baker and Nick Bond. [It's] not hard enough to restrict the thumb but enough for protection. So he built a pocket around the thumb and inserted it. It worked pretty good."
Even as the Rays prepared for their weekend games while trailing 2-0 in the World Series, they managed to lend support to another Tampa team. The Buccaneers hold a 1-5 record, having dropped two of the three contests Mayfield missed. However, their struggles are not solely attributable to his absence; Mayfield had also been inconsistent when healthy, recording 615 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Hope remains for the season, as the rest of the NFC South has also faltered. The Panthers, whom Mayfield played for in 2022, lead the division at 3-2, followed by the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, both at 2-4.
Key Analysis
The collaboration between the Rays and Buccaneers highlights a unique cross-sport partnership that could prove pivotal for Mayfield's return. The custom glove, engineered to balance protection and performance, addresses the specific challenges of a thumb injury for a quarterback. With the NFC South remaining competitive despite the Buccaneers' record, Mayfield's ability to play effectively with the glove could significantly impact the team's playoff aspirations.
Originally reported by cbssports.