Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Todd Bowles won't rule out a quarterback Baker Mayfield playing against Arizona Cardinals at 13 weeks after Mayfield injured his non-throwing shoulder. when hit in the first half during Lost to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, 34-7.. However, Bowles told reporters Wednesday. this backup Teddy Bridgewater will receive most of the starting reps in practice before hosting the Cardinals.
After initially injuring Mayfield in the first quarter of the Week 12 game, Mayfield injured his shoulder again on a Hail Mary attempt in the second quarter. Mayfield did not play for the rest of the game and spent the second half in misery as Tampa Bay lost its third straight game. Bowles said Wednesday that Mayfield's availability will depend on how Mayfield feels at the end of the week.
An MRI on Monday showed Mayfield had a mild sprain. according to NFL Media. Bowles described Mayfield as “sick” during its availability on Wednesday.
The Buccaneers (6-5) started the season 6-2, but a tough stretch in recent weeks has eroded their lead in the NFC South. Now associated with Carolina Panthers at the top of the division The Buccaneers are in fourth place in the NFC. with six games to play. Tampa Bay is seeking its sixth straight division title, but Mayfield's availability is paramount to reaching the postseason.
Mayfield threw a touchdown and two interceptions in the first half of Sunday's loss to Los Angeles before exiting the game. He was among the leading candidates for league MVP in the first six games before the schedule tightened.
Buccaneers host Cardinals New Orleans Saints And Atlanta Falcons over the next three weeks when they return to Bridgewater if Mayfield is out. Mayfield has experienced pain in his non-throwing shoulder before in his career after suffering a torn labrum during the 2021 season.
Treatment for a shoulder sprain usually takes several weeks, but quarterbacks also returned quickly with rest.
“You never want to see guys injured, especially your leader,” Bridgewater said. “But Baker is a tough guy, man. He tried to come back and hold out for the sake of the guys. That says a lot about him.”
Now in his third season with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has made 45 straight starts and hasn't missed a game since 2022, when a high ankle sprain forced him to miss time with the Panthers.
This season, Mayfield has thrown for 2,406 yards and 18 touchdowns with a QBR of 60.8, the second-highest rating of his career.
