Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will be "fine by Sunday" when his team plays the Panthers in Charlotte. Head coach Todd Bowles informed reporters Monday that quarterback Baker Mayfield is dealing with severe rib pain; nonetheless, Bowles said that, because the Bucs' season finale is a must-win game, Mayfield should start as quarterback.
This next Sunday, "he'll be ready to go," Bowles assured.
In Sunday's 23-13 defeat to the New Orleans Saints, Mayfield hurt himself after completing a touchdown pass to Chris Godwin from 47 yards out. Mayfield reached a new high for the seven-year veteran with his 28th of the season.
As soon as the Bucs scored, they attempted a two-point conversion. After hitting Mayfield in the abdomen, Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu was called for roughing the passer.
Mayfield didn't exit the game at that moment, but he crouched down and grimaced significantly as he made his way to the sideline.
As of right now, Tampa Bay is the NFC's #4 seed. It will secure the NFC South championship and get to host a wild-card game if it defeats Carolina on the road. The Buccaneers (8-8) need to be cautious since a loss would put the Saints (8-9) ahead of them in the standings if the Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons.
On the other hand, if the Panthers beat Tampa Bay and the Falcons beat the Saints (7-9), the Falcons might steal the NFC South title.
Given this, Mayfield is taking every precaution to ensure he is ready to go