Baker Mayfield will start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers wearing a custom glove designed to support his injured right thumb. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed on Friday that Mayfield practiced fully this week and is ready to return after missing three games with a dislocated thumb sustained in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The glove features a restrictive plate on the back of Mayfield’s thumb to prevent it from bending the wrong way. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the glove was created by Nick Bond, a clubhouse attendant for the Tampa Bay Rays. Bond removed the thumb section from a wide receiver’s glove and inserted a support in its place. Mayfield described it as “not restricting because it’s on the backside,” adding, “For me, just getting used to it. I don’t feel the difference. It’s just like me wearing a glove.”
Mayfield’s return comes after undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels filled in as the starting quarterback during his absence. Daniels started three games, going 1-2 while completing 60 of 95 passes for 501 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also rushed 19 times for 117 yards. Daniels struggled late in the Week 3 loss to Minnesota, going 0 of 3 passing with an interception and one rush for nine yards in injury time.
Before his injury, Mayfield struggled with efficiency across the first three games of the season. He completed 63.5% of his passes at an average of 6.4 yards per attempt, throwing just two touchdowns against two interceptions. His return will come under pressure to lift the Buccaneers back into the NFC South race.
Adding to the challenge, Mayfield is expected to play without his top wide receiver, Emeka Egbuka, who is listed as doubtful due to a concussion and a foot injury. The absence of Egbuka means Mayfield will have to adjust his game plan and find other options in the passing attack.
The Buccaneers face the Panthers in Week 7, a divisional matchup that could influence the standings significantly. Mayfield’s ability to perform with the protective glove and without his leading receiver will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
According to CBS.