What is confirmed
Mayfield has missed three games with a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. He was a full participant in practice all three days this week, and Bowles called it a "normal practice week" for him, per Laine. He is expected to play with a custom glove that supports the injured right thumb, per Underdog NFL.
Jalon Daniels started the last three games in his place. He goes back to the bench Sunday.
The receiver news is worse. Emeka Egbuka, dealing with a concussion and a foot injury, is officially doubtful for Week 7. Bowles said Egbuka has "gotta have a heck of a recovery" and added, "right now I'm gonna say he's out," before clarifying that the official tag is doubtful. Egbuka was seen working at Friday's practice, per Greg Auman, but the coach's tone points toward him sitting.
Why it matters for RSO owners
Mayfield's return lifts the whole Tampa Bay passing game, even without Egbuka. The question is how well he grips and throws in the first game back. A thumb on the throwing hand can affect accuracy and velocity, and the glove is new. Expect a conservative plan early, with quicker throws.
If Egbuka sits, the targets he leaves behind go to the other Tampa Bay receivers and the tight ends. Those players gain the most from a real quarterback being back under center.
What to do now
Mayfield owners in superflex and two-quarterback leagues should start him. In one-quarterback leagues, treat him as a solid but not risk-free starter this week. Daniels owners should bench him, and in shallow leagues he can go to waivers.
Egbuka owners should line up a replacement now and assume he is out. If he is active Sunday, you lose little by sitting him in his first game back from a concussion.
What to watch next
Watch Tampa Bay's inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff for Egbuka. For Mayfield, watch his early throws downfield and whether the Bucs lean on the run to protect his hand.
