The Tampa Buccaneers are already in playoff mode, and that mindset plays into the decision to start quarterback Baker Mayfield on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals despite a sprained left shoulder.
Mayfield injured his non-throwing shoulder in the second quarter of Sunday night’s 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He did not play in the second half as backup Teddy Bridgewater led the offense.
An MRI Monday revealed a low-grade AC joint sprain, according to multiple reports.
“Every game in my eyes is a must-play playoff scenario, but understanding that, you know, if I miss a game, that (potentially) allows me to be healthier going forward,” Mayfield told reporters Wednesday. “And that’s how I’m going to look at it.”
Mayfield guided Tampa Bay to a 6-2 record to open the season, but the team is now on a three-game losing streak. The slide left the Buccaneers (6-5) just a half-game ahead of the Carolina Panthers (6-6) for first place in the NFC South.
“We’re still aiming for the playoffs, but to get there we have to win these games, especially NFC matchups,” Mayfield said. “And it’s kind of a double-edged sword, but we’ll see how it goes.”
The game against the Cardinals marks the start of a three-game stretch for the Bucs that also includes visits from the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. After that, Tampa Bay faces the Panthers twice in the final three weeks of the season.
Mayfield, 30, has completed 62.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,406 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, although two of those picks came in the first half against the Rams.
In eight NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Panthers, Rams and Buccaneers, Mayfield has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 27,238 yards, 189 touchdowns and 95 interceptions since he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018 out of Oklahoma.
–Field level media
