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News

Baker Mayfield injury update: set to start Week 7 vs. Panthers

Baker Mayfield practiced fully all week and is poised to return from a dislocated right thumb, while Emeka Egbuka is ruled out with a concussion.

By Cole Hartwell
Emeka Egbuka
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0 (cropped) via Wikimedia Commons · License

Baker Mayfield is expected to return to the starting lineup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 25 in Week 7. According to Buccaneers Wire, Mayfield is questionable but expected to start against Carolina. Yahoo Sports reports Mayfield fully practiced all week and is poised to return to game action following a three-game absence that stemmed from a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand.

What happened

Mayfield was a full participant Wednesday and Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports. He has missed the last three games after dislocating his right thumb in Week 3.

The Buccaneers ruled out wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, offensive tackle Luke Goedeke and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., according to Buccaneers Wire. Egbuka missed practice Wednesday due to a concussion and foot injury, and remained sidelined for a second consecutive day Thursday, per Yahoo Sports.

Context

Mayfield has played three games this season, totaling 37.1 PPR points, 615 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 65 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. He is projected for 15.4 PPR points in Week 7. Egbuka has 71.1 PPR points, 49 targets, 28 receptions, 240 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in six games.

Depth chart

With Egbuka out, Chris Godwin Jr. is the next Buccaneers receiver on the depth chart. Godwin has 46.4 PPR points, 29 targets, 23 receptions and 216 receiving yards this season. Ted Hurst III follows with 33.8 PPR points, 22 targets, 11 receptions and 168 receiving yards, and Tez Johnson has 22.1 PPR points, 13 targets, seven receptions and 145 receiving yards.

What’s next

The Buccaneers play the Panthers on Sunday, October 25 at Bank of America Stadium in Week 7. Both teams will release their final injury reports Friday, which should provide additional clarity on Mayfield’s availability and the status of several other key players, according to Yahoo Sports.

🏈 Fantasy impact

Mayfield’s expected return makes him a viable QB1 option in most formats. He is projected for 15.4 PPR points in Week 7. Managers should consider starting Mayfield if their current option is outside the top 15. With Egbuka ruled out, Chris Godwin Jr. becomes the top target and should be started in all formats. Ted Hurst III and Tez Johnson are desperation flex options in deeper leagues. If you need a receiver, prioritize Godwin over the other Buccaneers pass catchers. Add Godwin if he’s available; his 11.4-point projection is the highest among Tampa Bay wide receivers.

Quick answers

Will Baker Mayfield play in Week 7?

Mayfield is questionable but expected to start against the Panthers, according to Buccaneers Wire.

What is Emeka Egbuka's injury status?

Egbuka has been ruled out with a concussion and foot injury, per Yahoo Sports.

Sources