Newer update on Baker Mayfield: Chris Godwin set for No. 1 duties again Week 8 vs. Falcons
Baker Mayfield injury update: active for Week 7 vs. Panthers
Baker Mayfield returns from a right thumb injury for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
Baker Mayfield is officially active and will start Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers after missing the previous three games with a dislocated right thumb, according to Yahoo Sports.
What happened
Yahoo Sports reports that Mayfield received positive news before kickoff and will be under center for Tampa Bay. RotoWire also confirms that Mayfield has been cleared to start Week 7 against the Panthers.
To protect his throwing thumb, Mayfield will wear a custom glove provided by the Tampa Bay Rays training staff, according to CBS Sports. The Buccaneers reached out to Nike, which made a protective glove for MLB star Mike Trout, and that led the Rays to offer help. Rays clubhouse attendant Nick Bond modified a wide receiver glove by removing material around the thumb and adding an insert, per the Tampa Bay Times via CBS Sports. Mayfield said the glove is not restricting and it feels like wearing a normal glove.
Context
Mayfield has played three games this season, totaling 615 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 65 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown, according to Sleeper. He has 37.1 PPR points, averaging 12.4 PPR points per game. Sleeper projects him for 15.3 PPR points in Week 7.
The Buccaneers enter the game with a 1-5 record, while the Panthers are 3-2, according to Yahoo Sports.
Timeline
On October 24, Fantasy Football Desk reported that Mayfield was expected to return to the starting lineup for the Buccaneers against the Panthers in Week 7. Buccaneers Wire said Mayfield was questionable but expected to start. Yahoo Sports reported that Mayfield fully practiced all week and was poised to return after a three-game absence following a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand.
Earlier, on October 18, Fantasy Football Desk reported that Mayfield was officially out for Week 6 against the Steelers, leading to Jalon Daniels making his third straight start.
Depth chart
According to Sleeper’s depth chart, Mayfield is the Buccaneers’ QB1. Jalon Daniels is the next quarterback listed as QB4, with 40.3 PPR points, 501 passing yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions in four games. Easton Stick is also listed but has no games played this season.
What’s next
Mayfield and the Buccaneers are on the road against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 25, according to ESPN’s schedule. The game is already marked as played in the schedule for Week 7.
🏈 Fantasy impact
Mayfield’s return gives Tampa Bay a boost at quarterback, but his season-long numbers have been modest. In three games, he has thrown for two touchdowns against two interceptions and averages just 12.4 PPR points per game, according to Sleeper. His Week 7 projection of 15.3 PPR points slightly exceeds his season average, suggesting a decent matchup against the Panthers. However, the Buccaneers will be without wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, offensive tackle Luke Goedeke, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., which could limit the offense. Mayfield is best viewed as a low-end QB2 or streaming option in deeper leagues. If you need a safer floor, consider a quarterback with a stronger recent track record. For this week, Mayfield is a borderline start in two-quarterback formats, but in standard one-QB leagues, he is best left on the bench.
Quick answers
Will Baker Mayfield play in Week 7?
Yes. Baker Mayfield is officially active and will start for the Buccaneers against the Panthers in Week 7, according to Yahoo Sports and RotoWire.
What is Baker Mayfield's injury status?
Mayfield is returning from a dislocated right thumb and will wear a custom protective glove provided by the Tampa Bay Rays training staff, according to CBS Sports.