Todd Bowles Reveals Baker Mayfield's Playing Status for Buccaneers vs. Panthers
It's been an up-and-down season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
And although he's had some rough patches at points, there's no question that Baker Mayfield has impressed as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Not only that, but Mayfield has earned his role as the unquestioned leader of a Buccaneers team that is just one win away from securing their third consecutive NFC South Division title. If they can do that, they'll be hosting a playoff game at Raymond James Stadium next weekend.
Which is a scenario that most people believed would be impossible for a Bucs team that should have been just trying to keep their head above water while they attempt to recover from Tom Brady's retirement, and the salary cap restraints that presented themselves from going 'all in' while he was there.
Enter, Baker Mayfield.
During his resurgent season in Tampa Bay, Mayfield has thrown for an impressive 3,907 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His production, combined with his maturity, leadership, and passion, have proven to be invaluable for this version of the Bucs.
Those same attributes are a big reason why it's been reported that the Buccaneers are expected to sign Mayfield to a contract extension this offseason.
At the same time, all of the factors mentioned above contribute to the dark cloud that was immediately cast over Raymond James Stadium when everyone in attendance watched their quarterback take a nasty hit in the dying seconds of a losing effort to the Saints in Week 17. Although X-rays came back negative, anyone who saw the hit, and Baker walking gingerly into the tunnel after the game, knew that he was in serious pain.
As the week went on, and the Bucs' players took the field for practice, it was obvious that Baker Mayfield was not right.
However, when Mayfield took the field for Friday's practice, he appeared to be ramping up his efforts significantly from the previous day.
When Todd Bowles was asked after practice whether or not Mayfield would be ready to play vs. the Panthers on Sunday, he set the record straight.
So there you have it. Despite a lot of justified concerns regarding Mayfield's injury status heading into this 'win or go home' game vs. the Carolina Panthers, the Buccaneers' quarterback will take the field with his teammates just like he's done in every other game this season.
Hopefully for the Bucs, he's healthy enough to impact the game like he has when he's been at his best this season.
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