NFL Week 12 overreactions: Chiefs stay alive, Cowboys shock Eagles
USA TODAY Sports’ Prince Grimes ‘overreacts’ to some of the best games from Sunday’s Week 12 slate.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t seem to avoid injuries in 2025.
They have been without Bucky Irving, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for extended periods of time, but never Baker Mayfield. The engine that powers the Tampa offense, Mayfield has been one of the only things keeping Tampa’s ship afloat.
That is potentially going to be put to the test on “Sunday Night Football,” as Mayfield exited and went into the blue medical tent. Now, it appears that Mayfield will be out for the remainder of the evening.
Here’s the latest on the Buccaneers quarterback:
Teddy Bridgewater has replaced Mayfield to begin the second half.
Mayfield is doubtful to return with a shoulder injury, the Buccaneers announced.
His discomfort was on full display at the end of the first half.
The quarterback heaved up a pass, hoping for a last-second score, but his pass was intercepted. While Emmanuel Forbes Jr. tried to run it back for a Rams’ touchdown, Mayfield was down and in plenty of pain. He ultimately walked off, but the shoulder issue is clearly bothering him and will be something to watch in the second half.
Mayfield returned to the game and didn’t miss a play for the Buccaneers’ offense after the initial medical tent visit.
The team said that Mayfield was being evaluated for a left shoulder injury.
The passer was seen favoring his left arm and slammed his helmet down before entering the medical tent.
NBC’s Melissa Stark also noted that the independent doctor was evaluating the hit to Mayfield’s head, checking for a possible concussion.
Buccaneers QB depth chart
- Baker Mayfield
- Teddy Bridgewater
The Bucs only carry two quarterbacks on their active roster, leaving the veteran Bridgewater as the backup. Mayfield’s toughness is one of his best attributes, meaning there isn’t normally much risk for the starter leaving the contest.
Whatever is ailing Mayfield, it’s typically something he’ll battle through in order to remain in the game.
This story has been updated.
