Todd Bowles to Decide on Baker Mayfield's Status Before Panthers Game

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles indicated that quarterback Baker Mayfield would practice on Wednesday as he recovers from a dislocated thumb that has sidelined him since Week 3. Mayfield is expected to wear a protective glove on his throwing hand during practice.

Bowles noted that Mayfield is progressing well and will assess his performance on Friday before making a decision regarding the starting quarterback for the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. If Mayfield's throwing ability is still compromised, Bowles plans to start undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who has been the temporary starter since Week 4.

Daniels led the Buccaneers to a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 but struggled in the recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing two interceptions and being sacked five times. As of now, the Buccaneers are 3.5-point underdogs against the Panthers, and Mayfield's status could influence betting lines leading up to the game.