Baker Mayfield’s road back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers included a little help from an unexpected corner of the local sports world.
As Mayfield works his way back from a dislocated thumb and eyes a return after missing three games, the Tampa Bay Rays played a role in getting him ready to suit up again. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays helped build a customized glove meant to protect Mayfield’s injured throwing hand.
The setup is designed to support the thumb from behind so it doesn’t bend backward, while still allowing Mayfield to grip the ball and throw normally. The concept came from Rays home clubhouse attendant Nick Bond, who took a receiver’s glove, cut away the original thumb section and built in space for a protective insert. Two versions were made, one with hard plastic and another with a softer, cast-like material.
It’s a pretty unusual crossover between two Tampa Bay teams, especially with the Rays preparing to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. Even with their own postseason work ahead, people on the Rays equipment staff made time to help the Buccaneers get their quarterback closer to a return.
Mayfield has been testing the modified glove in practice this week, getting used to the extra support around the thumb. He said the glove changes how he has to grip and release the ball, but the added reps have helped him grow more comfortable with it.
The veteran quarterback injured his thumb in Tampa Bay’s Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and has sat out the last three games. In his absence, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels has started, helping the Buccaneers earn their first win of the season against Dallas before Sunday’s 26-19 overtime loss to Pittsburgh.
Mayfield took part fully in all three practices this week, and head coach Todd Bowles said Friday that he expects Mayfield to start Sunday’s NFC South matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Even so, he was still listed as questionable on Tampa Bay’s final injury report.
Getting Mayfield back would give an offense that has lacked consistency through six games a much-needed lift. His experience handling defensive pressure and making pre-snap adjustments should help an attack that has been operating with a rookie quarterback still learning the league.
The Buccaneers go into Sunday at 1-5, and they need to start changing the direction of their season. Mayfield’s return won’t fix everything, but it’s a significant step. And with a little assistance from the Rays, he’ll have some extra protection when he gets back out there.
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