Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield received the green light to play in Sunday’s must-win game against the Carolina Panthers.
Mayfield avoided serious injury after taking a late hit in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, and head coach Todd Bowles said his quarterback will play Sunday in Charlotte, N.C.
“He’s full go,” Bowles said after Friday’s practice. “He’ll be ready to go on Sunday. We expect him to be the same as he always was.”
The Buccaneers win the NFC South for the third consecutive season and would host a wild-card playoff game with a win over the Panthers (2-14).
Mayfield absorbed a blow to the ribs from Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu last week but remained in the game, although he appeared uncomfortable afterward.
X-rays were negative.
In his first season with the Buccaneers, the 28-year-old Mayfield has completed 64.4 percent of his passes for a 3,907 yards with 28 touchdowns — both career highs — and 10 interceptions in 16 starts. He also has rushed for a score.
Bowles also said cornerback Carlton Davis (concussion) and tight end Ko Kieft (shoulder) will play Sunday.
The Buccaneers also could win the division if they tie the Panthers and the New Orleans Saints lose to the Atlanta Falcons or tie.
The Buccaneers would still clinch a playoff berth with a tie, plus a loss by the Seattle Seahawks and a Green Bay Packers loss or tie.
–Field Level Media