Baker Mayfield Confirmed to Start Against Panthers

Todd Bowles confirmed Mayfield will start Sunday, Oct. 25, against Carolina after his three-game absence. Mayfield remains officially questionable with a thumb injury but practiced fully and plans to wear a reinforced custom glove; Egbuka, Goedeke, and Winfield are out, while Irving and McCollum cleared their designations. Carolina’s blitz production and Tampa’s frequent blitzing are a tactical matchup to watch; the right-side line reshuffle and receiver absences remain concerns.