Bucs expect Mayfield to play vs. Panthers despite ankle injury

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expect quarterback Baker Mayfield to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers even though he's dealing with ankle soreness, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday, according to Pewter Report.

Mayfield suffered an ankle injury early in last Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts but finished the game after exiting briefly. Kyle Trask is Mayfield's backup on the depth chart.

The upcoming game could be the first time Mayfield faces his former team. The former No. 1 pick played seven games with Carolina in 2022 before finishing the year with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Bucs will aim to get their season back on track against the 1-10 Panthers. After starting the campaign 3-1, Tampa Bay lost six of its last seven to fall to 4-7.

Mayfield has enjoyed a productive campaign, throwing for 17 touchdowns to seven interceptions while averaging 235.3 passing yards per game.