What is confirmed
Mayfield (right thumb) is out, and Jalon Daniels will make his third straight start. Auman wrote Friday that Daniels is definitely starting Sunday. Bowles said everyone other than Mayfield and Winfield is in play, with running back Sean Tucker a pregame decision.
Bowles gave little on Mayfield's progress. Mayfield was expected to throw after Wednesday's practice, but Bowles offered "no more update than the usual: not ready to go." Asked whether he was encouraged, Bowles said he would be "encouraged when he has his helmet out there at practice." Asked whether next week is in play, he said it is "too early to tell."
Bowles said when Mayfield got hurt that the thumb would cost at least three weeks. Sunday is the third game he misses, so Week 7 is the first realistic return point, and Friday's answer leaves it open.
Why it matters for RSO rosters
Mayfield's Week 6 status is now settled, so there is nothing left to wait on for Sunday lineups. The bigger question is Week 7. Mayfield has not practiced in a helmet yet, and Bowles tied any optimism to that step.
For Daniels owners, this keeps the window open for at least one more start. Bucs pass catchers stay in lineups on their usual merits, with Daniels throwing to them for a third week.
