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Baker Mayfield Injury Update: What He Says About a Week 7 Return

Mayfield has practiced fully for two straight days and says his thumb is ready. Tampa Bay had not announced a final starting decision.

By TSP Staff
Baker Mayfield prepares to throw at Buccaneers practice with a glove on his right hand.
Baker Mayfield throws during practice at AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa on October 21, 2026. · Credit: Tori Richman / Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield says his injured thumb is ready for game action, though the Buccaneers had not confirmed him as their starter for Sunday’s visit to Carolina in the latest verified report.

“It’s strong enough to be able to play,” Mayfield said Thursday, according to NFL.com. He was a full practice participant for a second consecutive day.

Coach Todd Bowles had not announced a final decision, and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said Tampa Bay was preparing for either Mayfield or Jalon Daniels. That leaves a distinction between Mayfield’s assessment of his recovery and the team’s eventual game designation.

Mayfield has missed three games with the dislocated thumb that first sidelined him in September. Tampa Bay lost to Pittsburgh 26–19 in overtime last week.

Daniels has completed 60 of 95 passes for 501 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions across his three starts. Tampa Bay is 1–5.

Mayfield is adjusting to a throwing glove reinforced behind the thumb. Friday’s injury designation and the eventual inactive list remain the next official checks on his availability.