The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are holding their breath after quarterback Baker Mayfield exited Sunday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a left shoulder injury that kept him out for the entire second half.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, early tests indicate Mayfield likely suffered a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder. There is no fracture or structural damage, and the team is not ruling him out for Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Still, the final determination will come after Mayfield undergoes an MRI, making the next 48 hours crucial for a franchise fighting to stay atop the NFC South.
Bucs hopeful, but MRI will determine Week 13 availability
Mayfield initially appeared to hurt the shoulder early in the game, but he aggravated the injury on a Hail Mary attempt to close the first half. He was later seen on the sideline in a sling and ruled out in the third quarter.
Before exiting, he completed just nine of 19 passes for 41 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in what quickly became a 34-7 blowout. Head coach Todd Bowles said the team will wait for imaging before making decisions.
Pre MRI, the Buccaneers believe Baker Mayfield suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, per sources. There was no fracture and no structural damage. One source said the Buccaneers “are not ruling out” Mayfield for Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. But today’s MRI will… pic.twitter.com/9PGWpH6tue
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2025
If Mayfield is sidelined, veteran Teddy Bridgewater would take over after finishing 8-of-15 for 62 yards in relief. Bridgewater arrived in Los Angeles only hours before kickoff due to a family matter and may now be thrust into the starting role.
With the division locked in a tight race and the Carolina Panthers capable of jumping Tampa Bay with a win, the quarterback situation could become the deciding factor in the playoff push.
Injury adds pressure as Buccaneers skid continues
The loss marked the Bucs’ third straight setback, dropping them to 6-5 after a 6-2 start. Mayfield, once an early MVP candidate, has thrown for 2,406 yards with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions this season, but any missed time could accelerate the team’s slide.
Baker Mayfield was seen wearing a sling after injuring his left shoulder in the first half against the Rams pic.twitter.com/NioS1NbbQT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 24, 2025
The AC joint sprain is similar to the non-throwing shoulder injury Mayfield played through in 2021 when he tore his labrum with the Cleveland Browns, a decision that proved damaging to his performance and career trajectory.
The next update is expected mid-week when Tampa releases its first injury report.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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