The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received encouraging news regarding quarterback Baker Mayfield Friday, but will be without several key players for Sunday’s NFC South matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Mayfield, who has missed the last three games with a dislocated right thumb, practiced fully for the third consecutive day. Although officially listed as questionable, head coach Todd Bowles indicated the veteran quarterback is expected to return to the starting lineup.
“It looked good for him, so it looks like he’s ready to go,” Bowles said following Friday’s practice.
However, Tampa Bay will be without wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot), offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (calf), and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (rib), all of whom have been ruled out. Egbuka and Goedeke returned to practice in a limited capacity Friday, while Winfield remained limited throughout the week.
There were additional positive developments as running back Bucky Irving and cornerback Zyon McCollum, both dealing with illnesses earlier in the week, practiced fully Friday and carry no injury designations into Sunday’s contest.
For Carolina, outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) and Thomas Incoom (calf) have been ruled out after missing all three practices. Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling (knee) and linebacker Bam Martin-Scott (hamstring) are questionable despite practicing fully throughout the week.
Below is the final injury report for both teams ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OUT
- WR Emeka Egbuka — Concussion/Foot (Limited)
- OT Luke Goedeke — Calf (Limited)
- S Antoine Winfield Jr. — Rib (Limited)
QUESTIONABLE
- QB Baker Mayfield — Right Thumb (Full)
No Game Designation — Full Participation
- P Riley Dixon — Illness
- WR Chris Godwin Jr. — Rest
- RB Bucky Irving — Illness
- DT Calijah Kancey — Illness
- G Cody Mauch — Wrist
- CB Zyon McCollum — Illness
- K Chase McLaughlin — Illness
- CB Benjamin Morrison — Quad
- DL A’Shawn Robinson — Rest
- WR David Sills V — Hamstring
- LB Josiah Trotter — Shoulder
- RB Sean Tucker — Quad
- NT Vita Vea — Rest
Carolina Panthers
OUT
- OLB Thomas Incoom — Calf (Did Not Participate)
- OLB Jaelan Phillips — Hamstring (Did Not Participate)
QUESTIONABLE
- OT Monroe Freeling — Knee (Full)
- LB Bam Martin-Scott — Hamstring (Full)
No Game Designation — Full Participation
- RB A.J. Dillon — Ankle
- 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
Note: Martin-Scott remains in his injured reserve practice window and has not yet been activated.
The Buccaneers and Panthers kick off Sunday at 1:00 PM ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
