Baker Mayfield's Week 7 Start Still Up in the Air

Baker Mayfield's return from a dislocated right thumb is not a lock, according to ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports). Bowles said Wednesday that he'll wait until Friday before deciding whether Mayfield starts against the Panthers in Week 7.

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield was on the practice field Wednesday, splitting reps with Jalon Daniels and wearing a glove on his right hand. Bowles said Mayfield felt fine throwing with the glove and that he "looked pretty good as practice went on," but stopped well short of confirming a start. The decision lands Friday — which means Mayfield is a must-monitor sit/start this week, and you shouldn't count on him until that ruling drops.

If Mayfield is ruled out or limited, Jalon Daniels is the direct beneficiary as the next man up in Tampa Bay. The source story doesn't specify Daniels' stats or history, so don't overreact in either direction on him until Friday's clarity.

Worth noting: even if Mayfield plays, his pre-injury numbers were rough — 63.5% completion rate, two touchdowns, two interceptions, three lost fumbles, and 13 sacks over three games per ProFootballTalk. A glove on a throwing hand against a live pass rush is a real variable. If he's confirmed as the starter, temper expectations until he proves the thumb isn't limiting him.