Buccaneers Panthers Inactives Baker Mayfield Ready to Go

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield to start despite sore ribs. Team aims for third straight division title. Rookie wide receiver also cleared to play.

Despite dealing with a painful rib injury, quarterback Baker Mayfield is set to start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. This game is crucial for the Buccaneers as they aim to secure their third consecutive NFC South division title.

Mayfield has been a consistent presence for the Buccaneers throughout the season, starting every game in the first 17 weeks. Despite his injury, he is determined to lead his team to victory in their regular season finale.

In addition to Mayfield, rookie wide receiver Trey Palmer, who has been limited in practice due to a hip ailment, has also been cleared to play. However, rookie wideout Rakim Jarrett has been placed on the inactive list after being promoted from the practice squad just a day before the game.

The Buccaneers have taken advantage of the NFL's new "inactive third quarterback" rule by promoting John Wolford from the practice squad in Week Nine. This means that the team is now carrying three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Wolford is on the inactive list for the game but would be allowed to play if both Mayfield and Kyle Trask, the other quarterback, were unable to continue due to injury or ejection.

Both the Buccaneers and Panthers submitted their list of inactives 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff of their Week 18 game at Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers did not elevate any players from the practice squad, resulting in the declaration of five players as inactive. On the other hand, the Panthers elevated guard Deonte Brown and kicker Matthew Wright, leading to the declaration of seven players as inactive.

The Buccaneers' inactives include linebacker K.J. Britt, wide receiver Rakim Jarrett, tackle Brandon Walton, outside linebacker Markees Watts, and quarterback John Wolford. The Panthers' inactive information will be added shortly.

The game against the Panthers is a crucial one for the Buccaneers as they aim to secure their third straight NFC South division title. Despite the challenges they face, including injuries and roster decisions, the team is determined to emerge victorious and continue their winning streak. With Mayfield leading the charge, the Buccaneers are ready to give it their all and secure another division title.

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