Mayfield Returns as Bucs QB, Protected by Custom Glove — SkimNews
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- Baker Mayfield returned to full practice participation Wednesday and Thursday and declared himself confident in his ability to grip and throw, signaling readiness to start against the Panthers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers equipped Mayfield with a custom glove featuring metal reinforcement to protect his injured right thumb, developed in consultation with the Tampa Bay Rays' staff
- Graham Barton adjusted his handoff technique to minimize impact on Mayfield’s healing thumb, noting consistent and clean exchanges during practice
- Jalon Daniels started three games in Mayfield’s absence, earning a prime-time win and gaining significant developmental experience supported by Mayfield from the sideline
- Todd Bowles acknowledged Mayfield stayed mentally engaged during recovery, contributing to game planning and supporting Daniels, which helped maintain team continuity
- Buccaneers offense held a candid team meeting to address inconsistencies in timing and landmarks, with Mayfield endorsing the tough conversation as necessary for improvement
Why it matters: At 1-5, the Buccaneers are in a must-win phase, and Mayfield’s return brings stability to a struggling offense. His ability to perform with a modified glove and reintegrate quickly matters immediately—especially against a Panthers team leading the division. The developmental leap Daniels made may also give the team a stronger supporting cast around Mayfield moving forward.
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