Baker Mayfield injury update ahead of Cowboys' showdown with Bucs

Buccaneers' star QB Baker Mayfield missed Wednesday's practice, but who will the Dallas Cowboys be facing in Week 16?

Josh Sanchez | 6 Hours Ago

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

As the Dallas Cowboys began gearing up for the Week 16 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there was an interesting note on the opponent's first injury report of the week.

Star quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has had a career resurgence in Tampa Bay and is leading the team's high-powered offense, was held out of practice on Wednesday with what was listed as a knee issue.

That led to Cowboys Nation asking: "will the Buccaneers be without Baker Mayfield?"

MORE: Cowboys vs. Buccaneers Week 16 injury report: Team nearing full strength

Now that there is another day of practice in the books, we have a clear idea of who will be under center when the Cowboys welcome the Bucs to AT&T Stadium on Sunday Night Football.

Unfortunately for the wounded Cowboys defense, Mayield will be leading the charge.

The Bucs' most recent injury report listed Mayfield as a full participant in Thursday's practice session, while the Cowboys had three players -- star cornerback Trevon Diggs and linebackers Eric Kendricks and Nick Vigil -- who did not participate.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield throws against the Los Angeles Chargers. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

This season, Mayfield has thrown for 3,617 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while adding 266 yards and three touchdowns with his legs.

The Cowboys secondary is wounded with Diggs expected to be out, and Caelen Carson, Josh Butler, and Markquese Bell all on injured reserve. The short-handed defense is going to have their hands full on Sunday night.

Kickoff between the Cowboys and Bucs at AT&T Stadium is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, and will stream live on Peacock.