Buccaneers’ QB Baker Mayfield ‘Trending to Play’ vs Arizona

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be getting a break at quarterback, as Baker Mayfield is trending towards playing Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals despite a left shoulder sprain. Mayfield’s injury occurred during the team’s recent loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Mayfield’s MRI results showed no structural damage to his left shoulder, and he’s been making good progress throughout the week in practice. In fact, he’s trending towards playing Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, which would be a huge boost for the Buccaneers’ offense.

Baker Mayfield is trending towards starting against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Via the team’s website, 

“We have,” Bowles stated on whether he had made a decision at quarterback. “He looked good today so he’s trending to play.”

Baker Mayfield’s participation in practice has been limited, but he’s showing improvement. He was a non-participant on Wednesday and still had limitations on Thursday.

Via the team’s website, 

“He had to get well,” stated Bowles. “He was very limited on Wednesday, he did a little more yesterday and he moved around perfectly today, so he’s fine.”

Teddy Bridgewater was poised to make his first start as a Buccaneer if Baker Mayfield’s injury had kept him out. The team was also considering promoting rookie quarterback Connor Bazelak to the active roster or elevating him from the practice squad.

Via the team’s website, 

“It’s been talked about,” Bowles stated. “Depending on what the other positions need and who’s coming back from where, we’re still talking about it. Haven’t made that decision yet.”

The Buccaneers have full confidence in Teddy Bridgewater, but let’s be real, Baker Mayfield’s presence would be a huge boost for the team, especially against the Cardinals on Sunday. Mayfield is the team’s emotional leader, and his experience would give Tampa Bay an edge. The Bucs are currently in first place in the NFC South, despite a three-game losing streak, and they’re staying focused on their goals for 2025.

Via the team’s website, 

“We’ve got plenty of confidence; we never lost that,” Bowles stated. “It’s just picking up on the little things from an execution standpoint. We all know we have to do our jobs better, and that’s coaches and players, but it has nothing to do with confidence. Just execution.”

Safe to say if Mayfield can suit up, he’s playing. We’ll find out more Sunday morning.