Baker Mayfield DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) has been cleared to suit up for the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports. The veteran is listed as questionable, but head coach Todd Bowles already confirmed that Mayfield is ready to play. This marks the first time that Mayfield has started a game since the Week 3 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bucs are without top wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion), so Mayfield won't even have his top weapon for his return. Mayfield wasn't lighting up the box score before the injury, so we'll see what he can do without his top wideout available. Fantasy managers should put Mayfield on the QB2 radar for his return in Week 7.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is ready to go for Sunday's divisional contest on the road against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Todd Bowles told Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Mayfield will return this weekend after missing the last three games after he dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Undrafted rookie signal-caller Jalon Daniels will return to a backup role with Mayfield returning. The Panthers defense has allowed the most passing yards per game through the first six weeks of the season, so Mayfield will have a plus matchup in his return on Sunday. However, he is also expected to be without top wideout Emeka Egbuka, who is considered doubtful to play due to a concussion and foot injury. Mayfield will be back on the QB2 radar in superflex leagues against the Panthers, but fantasy managers may want to temper expectations. The two-time Pro Bowler was not exactly playing well before his thumb injury, throwing for 615 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first three games in 2026.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (right thumb) expects to return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after missing three games with a dislocated thumb. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse attendant Nick Bond helped create a protective glove designed to prevent the joint from bending backward. Mayfield practiced in full Wednesday and Thursday, saying the glove feels comfortable despite requiring adjustments to his grip and release points. Head coach Todd Bowles plans to decide Friday whether Mayfield or rookie Jalon Daniels will start. Mayfield threw for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first three games this season. That production leaves him as a QB2 option in Superflex leagues if he starts, with limited appeal in standard single-quarterback formats.