The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expect to start quarterback Baker Mayfield on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Friday, according to team reporter Scott Smith.
Mayfield has missed three games due to a right thumb injury. He's been a full participant in practice throughout this week. He suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay's Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
"Feel good," Mayfield told reporters Thursday, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud. "Just improving. It's been a process for me. I've never really missed time cause of injuries. Not fun. You always want to be out there with your guys."
Mayfield will wear a glove on his right hand for protection. The 31-year-old has thrown for 615 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions this season while going 0-3.
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels filled in for Mayfield over the last three weeks. He helped secure the Buccaneers' first win of the season in Week 5 but completed just 22 of 43 passes for 164 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who's dealing with a foot injury and a concussion, is doubtful for Sunday. Bowles said that Antoine Winfield Jr. and Luke Goedeke won't play due to injuries.
Tampa Bay is 1-5 and sits last in the NFC South.
