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.”