Mayfield is dealing with rib soreness, but remains determined to be available and contribute to the Buccaneers' pursuit of the NFC South championship.
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Mayfield is dealing with rib soreness, but remains determined to be available and contribute to the Buccaneers’ pursuit of the NFC South championship.

Posted on by Matthew Reynolds

AP Sports Writer

Written by FRED GOODALL, a writer for the Associated Press (AP) focused on sports news.

TAMPA, Fla. — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield has sore ribs and did not practice Wednesday, but the Tampa Bay quarterback says he’ll do everything he can to be ready to try to help the Buccaneers clinch a division title and playoff berth against the Carolina Panthers.

Last week, Mayfield sustained an injury when he was hit after throwing a pass during a 2-point conversion attempt in the last two minutes of a 23-13 defeat against the New Orleans Saints.

The loss prevented the Bucs (8-8) from securing their third straight division championship. They will have another opportunity to do so on Sunday when they face off against the Panthers (2-14).

“I’m feeling a bit sore, but I’ll be fine. It’s just one of those things – it’s sensitive,” Mayfield stated. “I’ve had rib injuries in the past, but taking time to rest throughout the week will help.”

Instead of a typical mid-week training, the Bucs conducted a walkthrough session on Wednesday. However, coach Todd Bowles stated that if the team had practiced, Mayfield would not have been involved.

Bowles stated that he is not qualified to assess Baker’s physical condition and cannot predict whether he will be able to play. However, he is confident that Baker will do his best to play if he is able.

If Mayfield is unable to participate, the Bucs will rely on third-year backup Kyle Trask.

“It is always a worry when one of our top players is injured. We will monitor the situation and have faith in Trask if he needs to step in,” stated Bowles. “Baker will attempt to play, but if he is not fully recovered, he will not be able to participate. However, if his health allows, he will be on the field.”

Mayfield is aiming to guide his team to the playoffs for only the second time in his six-year career. He is certain that he will be able to participate in Sunday’s game.

“I wasn’t able to physically test it out today, but I was able to mentally go through the motions. This serves as a good practice for everyone,” stated the quarterback. “I’ll have to wait and see. As we get closer to game time, I know the adrenaline will kick in, especially given our current situation.”

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Source: wralsportsfan.com