Baker Mayfield to return from three-game absence against Panthers

Right thumb injury cleared for Sunday's divisional matchup.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 50m1 min read

Via @NFL on X

What happened: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback practiced in full on Thursday while officially remaining listed as questionable on the injury report. His return puts Tampa Bay's primary signal-caller back under center after nearly a month on the sideline.

Why it matters: Tampa Bay sits 16th in the conference standings on a one-game skid and needs an immediate spark to gain ground in the division. Carolina enters holding the No. 3 seed on a two-game winning streak.

By the numbers: Carolina Panthers: 3-2 record (won 25-14 on Oct. 18). Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1-5 record (lost 26-19 on Oct. 18).

What to watch: Kickoff between the Buccaneers and Panthers is scheduled for Sunday.

Sources

@NFL 2026-10-23T16:46:55.556687+00:00

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NFLInjuryCarolina PanthersTampa Bay BuccaneersBaker Mayfield

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