Tag: Baker Mayfield

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield practices, expects to play Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Nobody would rate Baker Mayfield’s health close to 100 percent, but the Buccaneers are counting on him playing on Sunday following an encouraging return to practice on Friday.

Mayfield and the Buccaneers have lost three in a row since a 6-2 start, part of the reason a playoff mindset has set in despite the quarterback dealing with a painful left shoulder sprain.

Head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield was definitely “trending” toward being in the lineup on Sunday, a positive development that followed the final full practice of the week on Friday.

Mayfield injured his non-throwing shoulder in the second quarter of a 34-7 blowout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams last week. He did not play in the second half as backup Teddy Bridgewater led the offense. Tests showed a sprained AC joint for Mayfield.

“Every game in my eyes, is a must-win playoff scenario, but understanding that, you know, if I sit one game out, that (potentially) provides me to be healthier for down the stretch,” Mayfield told reporters on Wednesday. “And that’s, that’s how I’m gonna look at it.”

And the Buccaneers (6-5), now just a half game up on the Carolina Panthers (6-6) for first place in the NFC South, are ready to reverse the losing trend.

“Our sights are still set on the playoffs, but to get there, we have to win these games, especially the NFC matchups,” Mayfield said. “And it’s kind of a double-edged sword, but we’ll see how it goes.”

The game against the Cardinals starts a three-game home stretch for the Bucs that also includes visits from the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. After that, Tampa Bay will face the Panthers twice over the final three weeks of the season.

Mayfield, 30, has completed 62.7% of his passes this season for 2,406 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, although two of those picks came in the first half against the Rams.

In eight NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Panthers, Rams and Buccaneers, Mayfield has completed 63.5% of his passes for 27,238 yards, 189 touchdowns and 95 interceptions since he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018 out of Oklahoma.

–Field Level Media

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) in question to face Cardinals

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Baker Mayfield has not missed a start with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that 45-game streak is in jeopardy.

Mayfield’s sprained left shoulder is still in pain at mid-week, and he won’t be sure he can play in Sunday’s game against the visiting Arizona Cardinals until late in the week.

Teddy Bridgewater will start if Mayfield’s non-throwing shoulder doesn’t respond to treatment.

“It’s pain tolerance and management at that point,” Mayfield said of what he called a double-edged sword decision. “(We will) see how it goes through the week and go from there. I understand that we have Teddy. I have been in this spot before, hurting the non-throwing shoulder.

“If it’s going to hinder how I play, then I probably won’t go, but I won’t know that until later in the week getting practice reps and see how that goes.”

Mayfield injured the shoulder a couple of times during last week’s 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The most painful time came as he heaved the ball on a ‘Hail Mary’ pass to end the first half.

Bridgewater played the second half with Mayfield unable to continue.

“On the Hail Mary … it felt like my shoulder was unstable, which MRIs and all that revealed that it’s stable and everything is intact, so that’s really good news,” Mayfield said. “It’s really about feeling good enough to be able to rip the ball and feeling confident in it to finish through throws and stay on top of the ball.”

If Mayfield can’t play, Bridgewater will start for the first time since Week 17 in 2022 with the Miami Dolphins. Against the Rams, he completed 8 of 15 passes for 62 yards.

“We all have confidence in Teddy,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said. “We know what he can do and we know what kind of confidence level he brings, too. It’s a different kind of energy, but yet energy that we all feed off of and expect.”

The Buccaneers (6-5) have lost three straight games and four of the past five. They stand a half-game ahead of the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South.

Arizona (3-8) has lost three straight games and eight of the past nine. The Cardinals fell 27-24 in overtime to the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars last week.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett will be making his seventh consecutive start. He has thrown for 769 yards on 80-for-106 passing (75.5%) over the past two games.

Cardinals star tight end Trey McBride is tied for second in the NFL with 80 receptions, one behind leader Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers.

McBride has caught five or more passes in 13 straight games, tying the club record set by Larry Fitzgerald.

“I want him to touch the ball more than five times every game regardless of the streak,” Arizona offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said. “I’d like for him to touch it 10 times or 15 times because he is as talented as he is and plays the game the way he does and has such a big impact for us.”

Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendicitis) returned to the field on a limited basis. He missed the past two games.

“It was good to see him running,” Brissett said of Harrison. “He went through something very traumatic. To have him back out there was really good and I’m excited to see how this week unfolds for him.”

The Cardinals ruled out defensive end Walter Nolen III (knee) on Wednesday. Among the players who missed practice were linebacker Josh Sweat (eye), guard Kelvin Beachum (groin) and running back Emari Demercado (ankle).

Outside linebacker Anthony Nelson (ribs) joined Mayfield as Bucs who sat out. Running back Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot) practiced in full and is expected to return after a seven-game absence. Among the limited participants were receiver Chris Godwin (fibula) and linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle/knee).

The Buccaneers won the last two meetings, both by three points.

–Field Level Media

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield calls playing Sunday a ‘double-edged sword’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Tampa Buccaneers are already in playoff mode, and the mindset is playing into the decision to start quarterback Baker Mayfield on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals despite a left shoulder sprain.

Mayfield injured his non-throwing shoulder in the second quarter of Sunday night’s 34-7 blowout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. He did not play in the second half as backup Teddy Bridgewater led the offense.

An MRI on Monday revealed a low-grade AC joint sprain, according to multiple reports.

“Every game in my eyes, is a must-win playoff scenario, but understanding that, you know, if I sit one game out, that (potentially) provides me to be healthier for down the stretch,” Mayfield told reporters Wednesday. “And that’s, that’s how I’m gonna look at it.”

Mayfield guided Tampa Bay to a 6-2 record to open the season, but the team is now on a three-game losing streak. The slide has left the Buccaneers (6-5) just a half game up on the Carolina Panthers (6-6) for first place in the NFC South.

“Our sights are still set on the playoffs, but to get there, we have to win these games, especially the NFC matchups,” Mayfield said. “And it’s kind of a double-edged sword, but we’ll see how it goes.”

The game against the Cardinals starts a three-game home stretch for the Bucs that also includes visits from the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. After that, Tampa Bay faces the Panthers twice over the final three weeks of the season.

Mayfield, 30, has completed 62.7% of his passes this season for 2,406 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, although two of those picks came in the first half against the Rams.

In eight NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Panthers, Rams and Buccaneers, Mayfield has completed 63.5% of his passes for 27,238 yards, 189 touchdowns and 95 interceptions since he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018 out of Oklahoma.

–Field Level Media

Reports: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has low-grade shoulder sprain

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield underwent an MRI that revealed a low-grade AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder, several reports said Monday.

The MRI found no additional damage in the shoulder, which Mayfield injured in the second quarter of the Buccaneers’ 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night.

Mayfield may not have to miss much time, with his status for the Bucs’ Week 13 home game against the Arizona Cardinals uncertain.

The 30-year-old had thrown for 41 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against the Rams before his exit.

Mayfield first started to show shoulder discomfort after a 7-yard scramble just before the midway point of the second quarter. He finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tez Johnson but went to the sideline medical tent immediately after the score.

He returned to complete the remainder of the first half but was slow to get up when he went to the ground after he unleashed a long downfield pass on the final play before halftime that was intercepted by Emmanuel Forbes Jr. He immediately reached to his left shoulder while on the ground.

“(Mayfield) hurt it earlier (in the game),” coach Todd Bowles said. “He said he was fine and went back into the game, then aggravated it on the last play (of the first half).”

Mayfield has thrown for 2,406 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 games for Tampa Bay, which is now tied with Carolina for the NFC South lead at 6-5. The Buccaneers have lost three consecutive games.

Well-traveled veteran Teddy Bridgewater entered in relief of Mayfield on Sunday and likely would start if the first-stringer cannot go against Arizona.

–Field Level Media

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (left shoulder) makes early exit vs. Rams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was ruled out for the second half because of a left shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night in Inglewood, Calif.

The Bucanneers initially announced that he was doubtful to return after halftime before he was downgraded to out. He was replaced by veteran Teddy Bridgewater to start the second half.

Mayfield first started to show shoulder discomfort after a 7-yard scramble just before the midway point of the second quarter. He finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tez Johnson but went to the sideline medical tent immediately after the score.

Mayfield returned to complete the remainder of the first half but was slow to get up when he went to the ground after he unleashed a downfield pass on the final play before halftime that was intercepted by Emmanuel Forbes Jr. He immediately reached to his left shoulder while on the ground.

The Buccaneers trailed 31-7 at halftime.

Mayfield completed 9 of 19 passes for 41 yards with a TD and two interceptions, one of which was returned 50 yards for a touchdown by the Rams’ Cobie Durant in the first quarter.

The 41 passing yards were third fewest for Mayfield in a first half of a start in his career.

Mayfield, 30, entered the game completing 63.5% of his passes for 2,365 yards, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 starts.

In eight NFL seasons, that included five games with the Rams in 2022, Mayfield has completed 62.7% of his passes for 27,238 yards, 189 TDs and 95 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Jul 31, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) participates in training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Bucs reverse course, will hold Baker Mayfield out of 2nd preseason game

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will sit out of the team’s second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday after head coach Todd Bowles originally said that Mayfield would play.

Mayfield has been dealing with a contusion on his right throwing hand he suffered early in training camp, which held him out of the Bucs’ preseason opener.

However, the Tampa Bay Times reported that Bowles changed his mind and decided against playing Mayfield, not because of the injury but because of how strong a performance the starter had in Thursday’s joint practice against the Steelers.

Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, is entering his third season in Tampa Bay. He’s led the Buccaneers to playoff appearances in each of his first two years with the organization.

Along with Mayfield, star wide receiver Mike Evans and veteran linebacker Lavonte David will be held out of the Bucs’ second of three preseason games.

Without Mayfield, the Bucs will have recent free-agent signee Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak available to split the QB reps.

–Field Level Media

Jun 10, 2025; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gives a press conference after mini camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Report: Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (hand) to miss practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will sit out practice on Friday while dealing with a contusion on his throwing hand, multiple media outlets reported.

Mayfield is considered day-to-day by the team.

Per the Tampa Bay Times, Mayfield sustained the injury during practice on Thursday after hitting his right hand on a shoulder pad during his follow through.

Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak will handle the quarterbacking duties in place of Mayfield, who has yet to miss a game during his two Pro Bowl seasons with the Buccaneers.

Mayfield, 30, set career-high totals in passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41) in 17 games last season. He also completed a personal-best 71.4 percent of his passes.

He has thrown for 24,832 yards, 171 TDs and 90 interceptions in 106 regular-season games (103 starts) for the Cleveland Browns (2018-21), Carolina Panthers (2022), Los Angeles Rams (2022) and Buccaneers.

The Browns made him the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

QB Baker Mayfield (knee) among several Buccaneers missing practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield did not participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough because of a knee issue and would not have practiced if the team had “gone full speed,” the team announced.

Mayfield was among a long list of Bucs who didn’t practice: linebacker K.J. Britt (ankle), tight end Cade Otton (knee), wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot), safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (foot/knee).

Star wide receiver Mike Evans had a day of rest.

Mayfield, 29, has started all 14 games for the NFC South-leading Bucs (8-6) and has completed 328 of 463 passes (70.8 percent) for 3,617 yards, 32 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with a 104.1 passer rating.

He was announced Wednesday as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 22 of 27 passes for 288 yards, four touchdowns and a 135.3 passer rating in a 40-17 win over the host Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Mayfield has completed 63.2 percent of his career passes for 23,949 yards, 162 TDs and 88 picks in 103 regular-season games (100 starts) for the Cleveland Browns (2018-21), Carolina Panthers (2022), Los Angeles Rams (2022) and Bucs.

The Browns made him the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma.

Tampa Bay players listed Wednesday as limited participants were running back Bucky Irving (back/hip), defensive lineman Logan Hall (shoulder/wrist) and safeties Mike Edwards (hamstring), Christian Izien (groin) and Tykee Smith (knee).

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) recieves attention after being sacked in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Bucs’ Baker Mayfield practices; Mike Evans does not

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was a full participant after getting spiked in the leg in last week’s game, but star wide receiver Mike Evans and rookie running back Bucky Irving did not participate Wednesday.

Evans is dealing with hamstring and calf issues while Irving was sidelined for the walkthrough with hip/back ailments.

Mayfield was a full participant on the estimated injury report after his lower leg got stepped on in last week’s overtime win over the Carolina Panthers. He vowed to be ready to play this week against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders (2-10).

“Yeah, it’s a part of my job just to get ready to physically play,” Mayfield told reporters Wednesday. “[I’m] doing my recovery stuff, everything I need to do to be able to be ready to play and yeah, feel decent. [I’m] still a little sore but it’s Week 13 or 14 in the NFL so got to go.”

Mayfield was stepped on by Panthers defensive end Jadeveon Clowney after a sack. He was replaced briefly by Kyle Trask before returning. He threw for 235 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

The 6-6 Bucs are currently on the outside looking in for the postseason, having lost twice to the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons.

Evans has 39 catches for 521 yards and seven TDs on the season after topping 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 NFL seasons. Irving has rushed for 732 yards and six TDs in 12 games (one start).

–Field Level Media