Baker Mayfield is expected to practice Wednesday for the first time since dislocating the thumb on his throwing hand in Week 3. Tampa Bay will use that workout and the rest of the week to decide whether he can start Sunday at Carolina, coach Todd Bowles said Monday in the Buccaneers' October 19 update.
Mayfield has missed three games since the injury against Minnesota. Returning to practice would give the coaches a chance to assess whether he can grip the ball firmly and throw with his usual velocity. Bowles has not named the Week 7 starter.
The Buccaneers will prepare both Mayfield and rookie Jalon Daniels while the decision remains open. Daniels would make his fourth consecutive start if Mayfield cannot return. Field Level Media also reported Monday's practice plan.
Tampa Bay went 1-2 in Daniels' three starts, most recently losing 26-19 in overtime to Pittsburgh after taking a 16-3 lead into the fourth quarter. Including his snaps at the end of the Minnesota game, Daniels has completed 60 of 98 passes for 501 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. He has added 126 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Sunday's trip to Charlotte is Tampa Bay's first division game of the season, against the NFC South-leading Panthers. Bowles said those meetings with teams ahead of the Buccaneers are critical to their chances of getting back into the division race. Mayfield's expected practice return is a step toward that game; his playing status will depend on the week's evaluation.
