TAMPA, Fla. – It wasn’t just the smell of Thanksgiving dinner in the air on Wednesday; for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was the scent of optimism.
In a pivotal update from One Buc Place, reporter Rock Riley of the Tampa Free Press shared promising developments for an offense looking to snap a skid. The headline grabber? Quarterback Baker Mayfield was at practice without a sling on his injured non-throwing shoulder.
Despite the scare earlier in the week, Mayfield participated in the team’s walkthrough.
According to Riley, the situation is now strictly a “pain management thing.” Mayfield reportedly told the press his shoulder feels stable—a major relief given his initial worry after a hit before halftime Sunday. Tests confirmed there is no tear.
While Mayfield’s status for Sunday remains a question of pain tolerance, the Bucs have a contingency plan. If the starter can’t go, veteran Teddy Bridgewater is waiting in the wings for a potential one-game spot start.
Perhaps the most energetic news of the day came from running back Bucky Irving. Speaking to the media, Irving gave promising words about his status.
“He is ready to help his team win,” Riley reported. Irving admitted that sitting out was difficult, noting he had “never been in a situation like that” where he couldn’t contribute on the field. Bolstered by a strong support system, the rookie declared he is officially “ready to go.”
With Irving set to return and Mayfield fighting to stay under center, the Bucs are hoping this health boost is exactly the recipe they need heading into the weekend.
READ: Rams Seize NFC Throne In Sunday Night Rout; Bucs Left Reeling After Mayfield Injury
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