Just days into training camp, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got the worst possible injury scare on Thursday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
With several top players around the league having either lingering injury issues or suffering news ones including Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon, and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown, Bucs fans likely held their collective breath when a key player of their team sat out practice on Friday.
What happened to Baker Mayfield?
According to Pelissero, starting quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered an injury to his throwing hand during Thursday’s practice, prompting him to miss Friday’s session after getting further evaluations on his hand.
“#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield won’t practice today after suffering a contusion on his throwing hand Thursday, per source,” Pelissero reported. “Mayfield underwent scans as a precaution and ruled out a more significant injury. He’s day to day.”
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield won’t practice today after suffering a contusion on his throwing hand Thursday, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 1, 2025
Mayfield underwent scans as a precaution and ruled out a more significant injury. He’s day to day.
According to River Wells of On SI, Mayfield participated in all of Thursday’s practice session, though he did step out briefly to get his hand wrapped before coming back to finish practice.
Mayfield’s day-to-day injury designation is a lot better than the alternative. Given his throwing hand is bruised, he could miss a day or two of practice, but doesn’t seem to be in any danger of missing significant time.
Where does this leave the Bucs QB-wise?
Former Tulane QB Michael Pratt is already on the injured list with a back injury, leaving fifth-year backup Kyle Trask and rookie Connor Bazelak to take the majority of the quarterback reps.
It’s likely the Bucs could bring in a third passer while Mayfield is out to have three QBs splitting the reps. Bazelak was signed after Pratt went down with his injury, and Trask has not had the best showing in camp so far, and bringing in a third option could help push the competition.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!