Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans continue to wait to see when starting quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to make his return back on the field. Will it be this weekend versus the Carolina Panthers? Coach Todd Bowles still didn't give an exact answer on Wednesday, but he said the team should be able to make a decision on Friday depending how Mayfield does in practices this week.
"I think he's coming along fine," Bowles said. "We'll continue to monitor him and see how he goes through the week." Mayfield hasn't played since Week 3 when he dislocated his thumb on his right throwing hand. He was originally projected to be out for just three weeks, but there's a chance it could be longer than that if he doesn't progress.
On Wednesday, Mayfield wore a glove on his right hand. The quarterback told Bowles that it "felt good," which is a positive sign. He was listed as a full participant.
Bowles split the reps between Mayfield and backup quarterback Jalon Daniels, who's been starting in Mayfield's absence. Bowles felt that Mayfield was able to do all the things the team asked him to do during practice. "It was encouraging to see him do the things we wanted him to do," Bowles said.
As of now, it seems that the signs are pointing to Mayfield playing on Sunday barring a setback this week. The Buccaneers are in desperate need of getting Mayfield back as the team sits 1-5 on the season. The rookie Daniels has done OK in his starts, but it's clear that the former Kansas quarterback lacks the professional experience and confidence still.
Through three games, Mayfield completed 61 passes for 615 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Daniels has completed around the same amount, 60 passes, but for less yardage (501). He's thrown three touchdown passes and five interceptions.
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