Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a left shoulder sprain during Sunday’s 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Todd Bowles revealed after the game.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported that X-rays were negative:
Mayfield was ruled out after exiting the game at the end of the first half with a left shoulder injury. Mayfield went down in pain after a Hail Mary attempt and was clearly in pain as he went to the locker room.
Teddy Bridgewater came in for Mayfield under center.
During the 2021 season, when Mayfield was with the Cleveland Browns, he suffered a torn labrum that later needed surgery. While it’s unclear whether the injury he suffered on Sunday is related, it’s worth noting his history with left shoulder injuries.
Mayfield started out the season looking like an MVP candidate, but has since stalled out a bit. Coming into Sunday’s contest, he had 2,365 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions, adding 197 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
He was having a rough outing before exiting against the Rams, recording 41 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 9-of-19 passing.
Thanks to a strong start to the season, the Bucs are in a good position to make the playoffs, even after losing three of their last four games. Still, Tampa Bay is hoping Mayfield’s injury doesn’t cost him any time, especially after all the other injuries the team has dealt with this year.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans is currently on the injured list with a broken collarbone, while running back Bucky Irving has been sidelined since September after a strong start to the year. Luckily for the Bucs, they got receiver Chris Godwin back after he missed more than a month of action.
If Mayfield is looking at missed time, the team will count on Bridgewater to keep them afloat. Bridgewater, who spent last year coaching high school football in Miami, has appeared in three games this season but has only taken a few snaps.