The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have two key offensive players listed as questionable for the Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals in quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Bucky Irving.
Mayfield sustained an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder last week that forced his early exit from the contest against the Los Angeles Rams.
After not practicing on Wednesday, Mayfield saw an uptick in participation on Thursday and was then a full participant on Friday.
As for Irving, he hasn't suited up in several weeks due to shoulder and foot injuries, but he finally logged full practices this week, which was a clear sign he would be back for the game against Arizona.
On Saturday night, we got confirmation on both players' statuses for Week 13. Here's what we know.
Is Bucky Irving playing today?
Yes, Irving will suit up in Week 13, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who adds that Irving might not see a full workload in his first game back.
"Bucs RB Bucky Irving, listed as questionable for Sunday due to shoulder and [foot] injuries, is expected to play vs. The Cardinals for the first time since Week 4," he said. "Bucs don’t want to overdo it with Irving, but he will get his touches."
Is Baker Mayfield playing today?
Schefter is also reporting that Mayfield is expected to play on Sunday.
"Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a left shoulder injury, is expected to play vs. The Cardinals, per source," Schefter wrote.
Bucky Irving start or sit advice
There has been plenty of smoke to the fire that Irving might not get a full workload this week. Not only has Schefter reported that, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler hinted it could happen, also.
Then, you have head coach Todd Bowles saying the team would go with the hot-hand approach at running back, and offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard stated Irving will likely see limited snaps the way wide receiver Chris Godwin did following his return from injury.
When Godwin was limited last week, he saw 25 snaps, so we'd go with that number as a reference point for what Irving could see on Sunday.
With Rachaad White and Sean Tucker also looming, there are just too many things to be concerned about with this situation to deploy Irving in lineups right away.
As painful as it is to say after waiting so long for his return, we're giving it another week with Irving before deploying him.
Verdict: Sit
Baker Mayfield start or sit advice
Entering Week 16, Mayfield ranks as QB16 overall in terms of fantasy points per game, which makes him a matchup-based starting option on a weekly basis.
That ranking is a far cry from last season when Mayfield was QB3 overall. One reason for the downfall in production is Mayfield not having his wide receivers healthy for much of the season.
This matchup against Arizona isn't a good one, as the Cardinals are ceding the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season.
Another reason to not like this situation is the risk Mayfield brings when it comes to aggravating his injury and exiting the game early.
There's more than enough justification to sit Mayfield in Week 13.
Verdict: Sit
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