Currently in Bucville, there is a lot to keep a close eye on with the Bucs as they gear up for a win-or-go-home game against the Panthers. When looking at the team’s injury report released Thursday afternoon, most eyes will be fixated on the status of quarterback Baker Mayfield. But besides Mayfield, there are a handful of starters listed who made progress before Sunday’s game.

The Latest On Bucs QB Baker Mayfield

After not participating on Wednesday, Baker Mayfield was out there in a limited manner on Thursday and started off the morning throwing the ball lightly.

After going through some drills, he then turned up the dial on his velocity and put more arm strength into it.

Bucs OC Dave Canales and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

While Mayfield looked fine throwing the ball around, each time that he winds up his throwing motion he will surely feel a jolt in his ribs. He is one to gut it out and play through an injury, but it remains to be seen just how game-ready he will be.

Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales spoke today about how his quarterback looked. “He had a third down period – took all of the reps in a nice third down period and he threw some accurate balls,” Canales said. “He looked pretty good. Again, I don’t want to give too much about the plan and the style of what we’re going to do, specifically, but as far as throwing, he looked functional today. He ripped a couple of balls down the field and looked okay.”

With so much at stake on Sunday, it’s a guarantee that Mayfield attempts to suit up, but it’s not necessarily a guarantee that he can withstand many blows to his ribs throughout the contest. Seeing further signs of improvement out of him will be something to watch tomorrow and over the weekend.

Bucs

Besides Baker Mayfield, there were other Bucs players who progressed on Thursday. Cornerback Carlton Davis III (concussion) and safety Kaevon Merriweather (thigh) were upgraded to full participants, while left tackle Tristan Wirfs (shoulder) and tight end Ko Kieft (shoulder) were limited after each did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. It’s looking like Davis will be able to play this week, and with both him and Shaq Barrett (groin) trending that way, the defense will be close to full strength.

On offense, rookie wide receiver Trey Palmer (hip) remained limited, but another rookie wideout could make his return on Sunday. Rakim Jarrett (quadriceps) has been listed on the injury report for a couple of weeks and is nearing the end of his 21-day practice window. He can be activated at any time and would add more depth to the group.

Here is the full injury report list for Tampa Bay as of Thursday:

OLB Shaq Barrett – Groin – Full Participation

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III and Panthers WR Jonathan Mingo – Photo by: USA Today

CB Carlton Davis – Concussion – Full Participation

DL Mike Greene** – Calf – Full Participation

WR Rakim Jarrett** – Quadriceps – Full Participation

TE Ko Kieft – Shoulder – Limited Participation

QB Baker Mayfield – Ribs –  Limited Participation

S Kaevon Merriweather – Thigh – Full Participation

WR Trey Palmer – Hip –  Limited Participation

LT Tristan Wirfs – Shoulder – Limited Participation

**Designated to Return from Injured Reserve – Currently within 21-day practice window.

Panthers

Here is the full injury report list on the Panthers’ side:

OLB Brian Burns – Knee – Full Participation

WR DJ Chark Jr. – Foot – Full Participation

LB Tae Davis – Illness – Did Not Participate

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn – Photo by: USA Today

LB Kamu Grugier-Hill – Groin – Limited Participation

OLB Marquis Haynes Sr. – Concussion – Did Not Participate

P Johnny Hekker – Personal – Did Not Participate

CB Troy Hill – Concussion – Limited Participation

CB Jaycee Horn – Toe – Limited Participation

G Cade Mays – Finger – Limited Participation

T Taylor Moton – Knee – Full Participation

K Eddy Pineiro – Right Hamstring – Did Not Participate

RB Miles Sanders – Illness – Full Participation

WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette – Illness/Hip – Full Participation

QB Bryce Young – Back – Full Participation