The Bucs lost on Sunday with injuries all over the roster. Baker Mayfield left at halftime after a big hit and didn’t return. They’ll have an MRI on Monday to see how much time he’ll miss.
“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 tell more,” reported Adam Schefter.
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
Baker Mayfield Injury Update Shapes Buccaneers’ Week 12 Outlook
Jun 10, 2025; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gives a press conference after mini camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jun 10, 2025; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gives a press conference after mini camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
This Baker Mayfield Injury Update centers on a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, the kind of injury some quarterbacks can gut through or re-aggravate badly if they rush back too soon. The Buccaneers believe there’s no fracture and no apparent structural damage right now, but they want confirmation from Monday’s MRI.
The 30-year-old could be game-time decision material for Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals. He could be a game-time decision for Week 12 against the Cardinals. If the MRI shows a higher-grade AC sprain or hidden damage, they’ll go with Teddy Bridgewater, who came in when Mayfield left, and adjust the game plan on the fly.
Practically speaking, a sprained AC joint often means pain with cross-body motion and when absorbing hits. Coaches weigh not just structural findings, but also the QB’s pain tolerance, their willingness to play, and how much their throwing range is affected under live pressure. Tampa Bay’s medical staff and Todd Bowles made no definitive call before the MRI; that conservatism aligns with how teams treat shoulder injuries that can worsen if they are hurried back.
The Baker Mayfield Injury Update isn’t just about one game. The Bucs’ offense flows through the starter’s timing and chemistry with receivers. If the 30-year-old returns but is limited, expect more quick throws, max-protect plays, and designed rollouts to shield the shoulder. If he’s out, Bridgewater brings a different tempo and fewer deep attempts, which shifts play-calling and win probability for Tampa Bay next Sunday.
The team hopes for the best but will wait for the MRI to justify that optimism. This Baker Mayfield Injury Update will hinge on radiology, and the Bucs aren’t committing to anything until they see the scan.