Buccaneers get encouraging update after Baker Mayfield injury concern

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ official injury report listed quarterback Baker Mayfield as a limited participant on Wednesday due to a knee issue — a worrisome sight given that he wasn’t on the team’s Week 7 injury report and hasn’t missed a game this NFL season.

Meanwhile, backup (and the only other QB signed to the active roster), Teddy Bridgewater, didn’t practice at all due to a “dental/teeth” issue.

Despite some concern heading into Sunday’s matchup with the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay’s injury log looked a lot less dire Thursday as Fox Sports’ Greg Auman reported that 13 of the 17 players listed on the team’s initial injury report returned to the field, including Mayfield.

While wide receiver Chris Godwin (fibula), running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), and linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle/knee) have all been ruled out for Sunday, it appears that their franchise QB will be ready for Week 8.

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After a Heisman-winning college career that led him to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Mayfield has enjoyed a career resurgence in Tampa Bay following short stints with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams.

Last season, he emerged as one of the league’s most efficient QBs, completing 71.4% of his passes for 4,500 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns; all career-highs.

This year, he’s continued his elite play, completing 64.1% of his passes for 1,767 passing yards (sixth in the NFL), 13 touchdowns (tied for fifth) and just two interceptions across the first seven games.

Those numbers have kept Tampa Bay atop the NFC South at 5-2, even when other parts of the roster have been banged up.

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Mayfield practicing on Thursday is a massive deal for an offense that is already without Godwin and Irving, as well as All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans, who is scheduled to undergo surgery for a broken collarbone and is expected to miss the next eight weeks.

The Bucs travel to New Orleans on Sunday for an NFC South tilt. With the Saints struggling (1-6), Tampa Bay is already considered a heavy 3.5-point favorite, but having Mayfield a full-go keeps the Buccaneers’ game plan intact.