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‘ injury bug infestation has found the quarterback room.
That was one of the only places that hadn’t been impacted this season – until “Sunday Night Football” in Week 12, when Baker Mayfield departed with a shoulder injury.
The quarterback took some hard hits from a physical Los Angeles Rams defense, which ultimately forced him out of action. Mayfield entered the blue medical tent in the second quarter after injuring his left shoulder, but returned without missing a play.
For a moment, the crisis was averted. Then he went down again at the end of the first half before ultimately being ruled out.
Seen wearing a sling, it’s a tough sight for the Buccaneers, who can’t seem to avoid injuries in 2025. The quarterback has always been known for his toughness and hasn’t missed a game since joining the Buccaneers. Now Tampa will hope it remains that way.
Here’s a look at how much time the quarterback could miss.
Mayfield’s left shoulder injury was revealed to be a low-grade sprain after the MRI, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
His timetable for a return is unclear at this time, but he hasn’t been ruled out for Week 13 and could return to action without missing a game.
Practice reports will go a long way in determining whether Mayfield is healthy enough to suit up.
Before receiving an MRI, the Buccaneers believe Baker Mayfield suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The team also concluded there is no fracture or structural damage.
Mayfield suffered a shoulder sprain in Week 12 and will receive an MRI on Nov. 24, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
The coach wasn’t asked about an immediate timeline for Mayfield’s potential return and didn’t offer one.
Bowles added that the quarterback hurt his shoulder initially earlier in the game, but reaggravated it at the end of the first half.
“Teddy [Bridgewater] will play if he’s out for some time, obviously we’ll bring up Connor [Bazelak] from [the practice squad] and then we’ll go from there,” Bowles said. “Very confident in what Teddy can do with a full week of practice, taking every snap and every play, we think he’ll be fine.”
Baker Mayfield injury update
Mayfield was ruled out for the remainder of “Sunday Night Football” in Week 12. He was spotted on the sidelines with his left arm in a sling.
Bridgewater replaced Mayfield to begin the second half, who was initially listed as doubtful to return after 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 – his final action of Week 12.
Buccaneers QB depth chart
The Bucs carry only two quarterbacks on their active roster, leaving veteran Bridgewater as the backup. Mayfield has always been a player who battles through whatever seems to be ailing him, but tests will determine if that can remain the case going forward.
If Mayfield is forced to miss time, Tampa will turn to Bridgewater and sign Bazelak from the practice squad to play the role of backup.