Buccaneers expect Baker Mayfield back, rule out three starters

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have their starting quarterback back on Sunday, but they'll miss three key starters as they travel to face the Carolina Panthers in an important NFC South matchup.

The Buccaneers' official Friday injury report lists wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, right tackle Luke Goedeke, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. as ruled out. Baker Mayfield remains questionable with a right thumb injury, although head coach Todd Bowles expects him to start against Carolina.

Mayfield fully participated in all three practices this week after missing the previous three games with a dislocated thumb. He's also been practicing with a protective glove on his throwing hand, which should provide additional support as he works his way back.

Getting Mayfield back would significantly boost an offense that has struggled to establish consistency. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels has done a respectable job given his limited NFL experience, but Mayfield's ability to recognize pressure, adjust protections, and make pre-snap decisions gives offensive coordinator Zac Robinson more flexibility.

However, Tampa Bay's offense will be far from full strength on Sunday. Egbuka missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices with concussion and foot injuries before returning Friday in a limited capacity. Despite the improvement, the team ruled him out for Sunday's game. His absence removes one of Tampa Bay's primary receiving threats from an offense that has already struggled to create consistent opportunities downfield.

Goedeke also returned to practice in a limited capacity Friday after missing the previous two sessions with a calf injury. He was ultimately ruled out, leaving Tampa Bay without its starting right tackle. Protecting Mayfield will be especially important if he returns against a Carolina defense looking to exploit an offensive line that has struggled this season.

Defensively, Winfield will miss Sunday's game with a rib injury. The veteran safety was limited all week but couldn't return to game action. His absence adds to the challenge for a young defense that has shown encouraging signs despite Tampa Bay's 1-5 record.

Better news came from elsewhere on the injury report. Bucky Irving and Zyon McCollum both returned to full participation Friday after dealing with illnesses earlier in the week. Chris Godwin also returned to full participation after Thursday's rest day. None of the three received a game-status designation.

Carolina will also deal with injuries, particularly on its defensive front. Outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Thomas Incoom were ruled out after missing all three practices. Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling and linebacker Bam Martin-Scott are questionable despite participating fully throughout the week.

The Buccaneers enter Sunday's game looking to rebound from a 26-19 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mayfield's expected return gives Tampa Bay reason to be optimistic, but the absences of Egbuka, Goedeke, and Winfield will force the team to adjust on both sides of the ball.

Friday's final injury report makes one thing clear: Tampa Bay is getting healthier in some areas, but it will still be missing several important contributors when it faces Carolina.

Friday injury report — Buccaneers vs. Panthers

Official practice participation and final game designations, October 23, 2026. DNP = did not practice; LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; — = no game-status designation.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers expect Baker Mayfield back, rule out three starters