The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have starting quarterback Baker Mayfield back for their Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to a new report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
In a Saturday report, Pelissero revealed there is optimism that Mayfield will return next week after missing three consecutive games with a dislocated right thumb. The injury occurred during Tampa Bay's Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and a return against Carolina would come just in time for the Buccaneers' first NFC South matchup of the season.
However, head coach Todd Bowles offered a more cautious outlook during Friday's press conference, making it clear that Mayfield still has work to do before returning to the field.
"No more update than the usual. He's not ready to go," Bowles said, according to the Buccaneers' official October 16 quote sheet.
When asked whether Mayfield's progress was encouraging, Bowles emphasized the importance of seeing his quarterback practice again.
"I'll be encouraged when he has his helmet [and is] out there practicing," Bowles said.
Bowles was also asked whether Mayfield could return against Carolina, responding, "[It is] too early to tell."
The Buccaneers have been particularly cautious with Mayfield's recovery because the injury affects his throwing hand. Earlier in the week, Bowles explained that the team needed to evaluate Mayfield's ability to grip and throw the football before determining his availability. That remains an important step in his recovery, regardless of the optimism surrounding a potential Week 7 return.
Mayfield did not participate in practice throughout the week and has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie Jalon Daniels will make his third consecutive start after helping Tampa Bay secure its first victory of the season against Dallas in Week 5.
The Buccaneers enter Sunday at 1-4, making their upcoming divisional matchup against Carolina particularly important. Getting Mayfield back would return an experienced quarterback to an offense that has been adjusting to Daniels, but Tampa Bay has not established an official return date.
For now, Pelissero's report offers encouraging news, while Bowles' comments make it clear that Mayfield's ability to return to practice will be an important factor in determining whether he can play against the Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Optimism grows for Baker Mayfield's return in Week 7