Bucs’ Baker Mayfield exits loss to Rams with left shoulder sprain

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a left shoulder sprain in Sunday night’s 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and did not play in the second half.

He will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, according to coach Todd Bowles.

After leading the Buccaneers on a touchdown drive late in the second quarter, Mayfield went into the medical tent on the Buccaneers’ sideline. He was listed as questionable to return because of the injury to his non-throwing shoulder but came back in for Tampa Bay’s next drive.

After attempting a long pass on the final play of the first half, Mayfield fell to the ground and appeared to be in pain again. He was labeled doubtful to return after halftime, then was ruled out later in the third quarter. He was seen on the sideline with his left arm in a sling.

Editor’s Picks

1 Related

“He hurt it earlier [in the game], said he was fine, he went back and then reaggravated it on the last play [of the first half],” Bowles said.

Mayfield was 9-of-19 for 41 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions before leaving. He was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater, who will start for Tampa Bay if Mayfield misses time.

Bridgewater was 8-of-15 passing for 62 yards against the Rams on Sunday. His last start came in Week 17 of the 2022 season while with the Dolphins.

“Very confident in what Teddy can do,” Bowles said. “With a full week of practice, taking every snap, every play, we think he’ll be fine.”

Bridgewater arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday morning after attending a funeral in Miami.

“My mentor actually passed away and I went back home for his funeral, so I got here today about 10:30 this morning and had to play in the game,” Bridgewater said. “I think it’s pretty cool. My lifestyle is more like a rock star, I guess. But it’s unfortunate that, you know, it came by way of injury.”

Bridgewater didn’t want to speculate about whether Mayfield would be available against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday to start a three-game homestand.

“You never want to see guys injured, especially your leader,” Bridgewater said. “But Baker’s a tough guy, man. He tried to come back out there and tough it out for the guys. That says a lot about him, says a lot about this team.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.