The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received more encouraging news Thursday as quarterback Baker Mayfield participated fully in practice for the second consecutive day ahead of Sunday’s NFC South matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Mayfield, who has missed the last three games after dislocating his right thumb in Week 3, continues to make progress toward a potential return. The veteran quarterback was a full participant Wednesday and Thursday, providing optimism that he could be back under center when Tampa Bay travels to Carolina.
Although Mayfield has yet to be officially named the starter, his participation throughout the week is a positive development for a Buccaneers team looking to snap its recent struggles.
Elsewhere on the injury report, running back Bucky Irving (illness) and cornerback Zyon McCollum (illness) were upgraded to limited participation after sitting out Wednesday. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (illness) also improved to full participation.
However, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot), offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (calf), and linebacker Christian Rozeboom (finger) remained sidelined for a second consecutive day. Wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. was also held out for rest.
For Carolina, outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) and Thomas Incoom (calf) remained out of practice Thursday. Running back Chuba Hubbard, linebacker Devin Lloyd, offensive tackle Taylor Moton, and tight end Darren Waller all returned as full participants after receiving rest Wednesday.
Below is Thursday’s complete injury report for both teams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Did Not Participate (DNP)
- WR Emeka Egbuka — Concussion/Foot
- WR Chris Godwin Jr. — Rest
- OT Luke Goedeke — Calf
- LB Christian Rozeboom — Finger
Limited Participation (LP)
- RB Bucky Irving — Illness
- CB Zyon McCollum — Illness
- DL A’Shawn Robinson — Rest
- S Antoine Winfield Jr. — Rib
Full Participation (FP)
- P Riley Dixon — Illness
- DT Calijah Kancey — Illness
- G Cody Mauch — Wrist
- QB Baker Mayfield — Right Thumb
- K Chase McLaughlin — Illness
- CB Benjamin Morrison — Quad
- WR David Sills V — Hamstring
- LB Josiah Trotter — Shoulder
- RB Sean Tucker — Quad
- NT Vita Vea — Rest
Carolina Panthers
Did Not Participate (DNP)
- OLB Thomas Incoom — Calf
- OLB Jaelan Phillips — Hamstring
Full Participation (FP)
- RB A.J. Dillon — Ankle
- OT Monroe Freeling — Knee
- RB Chuba Hubbard — Rest
- LB Devin Lloyd — Rest
- LB Bam Martin-Scott — Hamstring
- OT Taylor Moton — Rest
- TE Darren Waller — Rest
- QB Bryce Young — Knee
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 heading into Sunday’s matchup.