Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Final Decision on Baker Mayfield Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 7:46 PM ET

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw their two-game winning streak snapped in Week 7, falling to 5-2 after a 24-9 loss to Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions on “Monday Night Football.” Mayfield completed 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but lost his top receiver, Mike Evans, to injured reserve after he suffered a broken collarbone.

With three minutes and 24 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Buccaneers trailing by 15, hoping for a miracle, Mayfield was sacked by Lions defensive end Tyrus Wheat for an 11-yard loss. However, Wheat got away with a tripping penalty, extending his leg to bring Mayfield down in the backfield.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

While no flag was thrown for his hit on Mayfield, the NFL later announced that Wheat was fined $5,722 for “tripping” the Buccaneers quarterback. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the league typically fines players up to $12,172 for a first tripping offense, with the penalty increasing to $17,968 for a second violation.

Wheat wasn’t the only player fined for tripping or kneeing in Week 7, as New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo was penalized $6,157 for a similar offense against the Denver Broncos. And while Wheat was the lone Lions player fined, Buccaneers running back Rachaad White received a $46,371 fine for an illegal “use of the helmet.”

Missed tripping call on the Lions. pic.twitter.com/2hyxPKA4Q3
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 21, 2025

Mayfield is on pace for one of the best seasons of his eight-year NFL career. Through seven games, the former Oklahoma star has thrown for 1,767 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, while adding 158 rushing yards. However, it appears he’ll be without Evans for multiple games.

Up next for Mayfield and the Buccaneers, a Week 8 battle with Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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