As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for their crucial season finale against the Carolina Panthers, all eyes are on quarterback Baker Mayfield. The resilience of the athlete was on full display after a concerning incident in the recent clash with the New Orleans Saints. Mayfield, after completing a commendable 47-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin, got hit by Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, leaving him in considerable discomfort.
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While he persisted through the rest of the game, questions about his availability during next Sunday’s crucial matchup arose. However, fans can rest easy as post-game X-rays dispelled major concerns, with the QB just experiencing some soreness.
Todd Bowles said Baker Mayfield will be able to play this week despite taking a shot to the ribs late in Sunday’s loss to the Saints. X-rays negative, he’s sore but will be able to play.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 1, 2024
Mayfield himself, no stranger to playing through pain, remained optimistic. “It’ll get easier throughout the week,” he stated. This perseverance is crucial, as Tampa Bay’s playoff positioning hangs in the balance. The Bucs’ playoff hopes were sent skittering with the loss against the Saints, making winning the Panthers matchup extremely crucial.
Currently positioned as the fourth seed in the NFC playoffs, the team is on the cusp of clinching the NFC South title with a victory over the Panthers. Yet, the playoff picture is complex, with the Saints and Falcons also vying for a spot, intensifying the significance of Mayfield’s timely return to form.
Injury Updates: Barrett and Davis on the Mend?
The Buccaneers face additional challenges with injuries to key defensive players. Outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett and cornerback Carlton Davis missed the last game due to injuries, leaving noticeable gaps in the team’s defense. Barrett, a formidable presence with 4.5 sacks this season, has been sidelined with a groin injury. While he has been seen working with trainers, his participation in Sunday’s game remains a hopeful possibility.
Carlton Davis, dealing with a concussion, also stands on the fringes of recovery. His presence in the defensive lineup has been pivotal throughout the season, and his potential return against the Panthers could be a game-changer. Both players’ statuses, as reported by Greg Auman of Fox Sports, remain cautiously optimistic, with chances of suiting up for the crucial game.
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Buccaneers Final Injury Report vs New Orleans#GoBucs #NFLhttps://t.co/xOrL1Emb4f— Bucs Report (@BucsReportNFL) December 30, 2023
The Buccaneers need to win against the Panthers in the final regular season game to keep their hopes alive of being division champions. Clinching a win would elevate their record above that of the Falcons and Saints, granting them the division crown. Even with an 8-9 record, a Week 18 victory against the Carolina Panthers would ensure the Buccaneers a spot in the playoffs. Their postseason chances remain viable, depending on the outcomes of other games, given the competitive nature of the conference this season.
