Overview
- The Buccaneers reported Baker Mayfield as a full participant in Wednesday practice and he worked both with and without a glove on his injured right thumb.
- Head coach Todd Bowles said the staff will monitor how Mayfield comes out of multiple practice days and make a start-or-not decision by Friday.
- Mayfield missed three games after dislocating his right thumb in Week 3 and medical reports showed no fracture, making functional grip the main test for his return.
- Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels started those three games and delivered Tampa Bay's lone win, and he would likely revert to backup if Mayfield is cleared.
- Tampa Bay's 1-5 record raises the stakes for the Week 7 choice because the starter decision will shape the game plan, roster roles, and short-term playoff outlook.