Central Florida News
Baker Mayfield’s Thumb Response to Practice Will Guide Buccaneers’ Quarterback Decision
Bowles plans to evaluate Mayfield on Friday as Tampa Bay prepares for Carolina; Winfield’s status also remains uncertain.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Baker Mayfield’s return to practice encouraged Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles on Wednesday, but the quarterback’s availability against the Carolina Panthers will depend on how his injured thumb responds through the rest of the week.
Mayfield wore a glove throughout practice and became more effective as he warmed up, Bowles said during his Wednesday media availability.
“I think he’s coming along fine,” Bowles said. “I think once he got warmed up, he started looking pretty good as practice went on.”
Bowles expects to have a clearer assessment Friday.
“I’ll see what he looks like Friday, and I’ll find out then,” he said.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie QB Jalon Daniels
Mayfield, Daniels prepare to play
Bowles said Mayfield reported feeling comfortable throwing with the glove, something he had done previously. The next step is evaluating how his thumb feels after practice and whether he can consistently throw and take snaps under center.
“We’ve got to see how he comes out of it and, after a day, how the thumb responds,” Bowles said.
Mayfield and Jalon Daniels are preparing for the game, with both receiving physical and mental repetitions.
“They both understand the game plan, and they’re both ready to play,” Bowles said.
Establishing the starter matters for the entire offense, he added, because players need to understand who will be under center and how the game plan will operate.
Buccaneers seek more downfield opportunities
Bowles acknowledged that some of Tampa Bay’s recent offensive approach has been designed to protect Daniels. Attempts to push the ball downfield have also been disrupted by penalties and sacks.
“It hasn’t been favorable for us, but we’ve still got to be able to get the ball down the field,” Bowles said.
He attributed the emphasis on perimeter passes to a combination of defensive coverage and play design. Tampa Bay also needs to create more opportunities for receivers Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, he said.
If Mayfield returns, Bowles wants him to rely on the players around him rather than feel responsible for carrying the offense.
“He’s going to always be the ultimate competitor, but he understands what he has around him, and he can’t do it by himself,” Bowles said.
Winfield progressing; Kancey creating pressure
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. practiced in a noncontact jersey Wednesday, leaving his availability uncertain.
“He’s recovering,” Bowles said. “I think he’s getting there. I don’t know if he’s there yet.”
Bowles said Winfield would need to practice without the noncontact designation before returning to game action.
On the defensive line, Bowles praised Calijah Kancey’s explosiveness and ability to reach the backfield, while emphasizing the need to turn more of those opportunities into sacks.
“We need to free him up a little bit more,” Bowles said.
Scott feels urgency of division matchup
Rookie defensive back Keionte Scott said the intensity has increased ahead of Tampa Bay’s first divisional matchup of the season.
“Coaches are preaching it, older vets are preaching it,” Scott said during his Wednesday media availability. “These games are very important, so we want to get them taken care of.”
Scott expects a challenge from Carolina’s receivers and quarterback Bryce Young, particularly when Young extends plays outside the pocket. Bowles also praised Young’s performance and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik’s use of personnel.
Scott, who recorded his first career sack against Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers, said the milestone was meaningful but did not outweigh the loss.
“It’s something I definitely will look back on and be able to show my kids one day,” Scott said. “But it’s definitely something I can’t harp too much on with not getting the win.”
As Tampa Bay prepares for Carolina, Bowles made clear that developing young players remains part of a more immediate objective.
“We’re trying to win games,” he said. “We’re not trying to go for growth. We’re trying to win games while we grow.”
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane combine for 47 points as Orlando closes preseason with a 21-point victory and turns its attention to the regular-season opener.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Paolo Banchero scored 24 points and Desmond Bane added 23 as the Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 136-115 on Friday night at Kia Center to close their preseason.
Orlando coach Sean Sweeney credited improved transition defense and unselfish offense for helping the Magic settle into the game after Miami’s fast-paced start.
The victory provided encouraging signs heading into the regular season, although players and coaches emphasized that Orlando’s defense remains a work in progress.
Ball Movement, Bane’s Aggressiveness Lift Orlando
Sweeney said the Magic adjusted to Miami’s speed as the game progressed, allowing Orlando to establish its offense.
“Offensively, we did a pretty good job of sharing the ball again — attacking that way,” Sweeney said.
Bane’s willingness to seek perimeter shots also stood out.
“I thought his aggressiveness was great and he’s got to keep building on it,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney said the preseason gave the starters an opportunity to establish a rhythm while learning how to respond to pressure.
“There is definitely some value in that, anytime you face adversity and have to come back it’s important,” he said.
Defense Remains a Priority
Despite the 21-point victory, Desmond Bane said Orlando’s defensive performance fell short of the team’s expectations.
“I think that we did some things well, especially on the offensive end,” Bane said. “But defensively we knew they were going to be playing fast.”
Bane said the Magic needed to do a better job containing the ball.
“We did okay,” he said. “Good enough to win but not to our standard.”
Nikola Vucevic said limiting Miami’s transition opportunities helped Orlando regain control of the pace and establish its preferred style.
“I think once we took care of that, it was much better,” Vucevic said. “Obviously, offensively it was a really good game for us. I think defensively there’s still room to grow.”
Vucevic said learning a new system requires patience, continued work and adjustments.
“We have to continue to work on it step by step, but there’s definitely a lot of positives,” he said.
Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives toward the basket against Miami Heat defenders during the preseason finale Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The Magic won 136-115. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Vucevic, Bitadze Provide Options Inside
Sweeney praised Vucevic and Goga Bitadze for their preseason contributions, pointing to their different strengths at center.
He highlighted Vucevic’s offensive skills, defensive communication and rebounding, along with Bitadze’s work on the boards, spacing and defensive impact.
“They’ve impacted the game in positive ways every time they’ve played,” Sweeney said.
Vucevic also credited the starters with establishing the team’s intensity and said the reserves must maintain that standard.
“I think also for us, coming off the bench, it’s important that we continue and keep up the same level of play,” he said.
Wagner, Richardson, Penda to Be Re-evaluated
Sweeney provided updates on three Magic players following the game.
Jase Richardson experienced back soreness, Noah Penda had right hamstring tightness and Franz Wagner had right shoulder soreness.
“Those guys will be re-evaluated,” Sweeney said.
He did not provide a timetable for their returns.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks with reporters following Miami’s 136-115 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Florida National News
Spoelstra Sees Progress Despite Loss
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra credited Orlando’s performance while maintaining that the Heat had made meaningful progress during training camp.
“Orlando competed and played very well, particularly those last three quarters,” Spoelstra said. “But these last 20 days have been very productive for our basketball team.”
Spoelstra said improving defensive chemistry remains a priority. He also emphasized that Miami’s depth will influence its rotations throughout the season.
“Our depth is a big strength of ours, and we will be maximizing our depth throughout the course of the season,” he said.
What’s Next for the Orlando Magic?
The Magic open the regular season against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Kia Center.
Orlando enters the opener looking to build on its offensive execution while improving transition defense, containing dribble penetration and monitoring the three players awaiting re-evaluation.
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Staff: Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com | Harry Castiblanco, Photographer
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