Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (ribs) sore but expected to play

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield avoided serious injury after taking a late hit in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints and is expected to play in Week 18.

Mayfield absorbed a blow to the ribs from Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu but remained in the game, although he appeared uncomfortable afterward.

X-rays were negative and Mayfield is sore but in line to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Todd Bowles.

In his first season with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 3,907 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 16 starts. He has also rushed for a score.

Mayfield, 28, has guided Tampa Bay to an 8-8 record, but the Buccaneers failed to clinch the NFC South title in the 23-13 loss to the Saints. A victory over the last-place Panthers in Week 18 will give Tampa Bay the division title.

—Field Level Media