Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Baker Mayfield Injury Update: Buccaneers QB Set for MRI on Sprained Shoulder After Rams Loss

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In a lopsided Week 12 showdown at SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Rams (9-2) steamrolled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-7 to sieze the NFC’s top seed, while Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes took another hit. The night, however, was overshadowed by an injury to quarterback Baker Mayfield, who left the game at halftime with a left shoulder sprain and did not return.

Baker Mayfield Injury Derails Buccaneers Offense

Mayfield initially hurt his non-throwing left shoulder during Tampa Bay’s late-second-quarter touchdown drive. After a brief visit to the medical tent, he was listed as questionable but returned to the field. On the final play of the half- a desperation Hail Mary- he landed hard on the injured shoulder and immediately grabbed it in pain.

The 2018 No. 1 overall pick was ruled doubtful at halftime, later downgraded to out, and spent the second half on the sideline with his left arm in a sling. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed postgame that Mayfield will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity.

“He hurt it earlier, said he was fine, went back and then reaggravated it on the last play,” Bowles said. Before exiting, Mayfield completed just 9 of 19 passes for 41 yards, a touchdown, and 2 interceptions in what was arguable his worst half of the season.

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Teddy Bridgewater Poised to Start Against Cardinals

With Mayfield’s status for next Sunday’s home game against the Arizona Cardinals in serious doubt, veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater is in line to make his first start since Week 17 of the 2022 season.

Bridgewater, who flew in from Miami Sunday morning after attending a funeral, went 8 of 15 for 62 yards in relief. Despite the circumstances, Bowles expressed full confidence.

“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.”

#WeAreTheKrewe QB Baker Mayfield sustained a L-shoulder injury in the first half vs the Rams and did not return — let’s break this down. pic.twitter.com/vOX14SXzhL
— MEDspiration (@MEDspirationNFP) November 24, 2025

Tampa Bay, now 6-5 for the season, is tied with the Carolina Panthers for the top spot at NFC South. And they begin a crucial three-game homestand needing a win to stay alive in the crowded NFC South race.

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.