Will banged-up Baker Mayfield start for Buccaneers vs. Jets?

On Wednesday, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that starting quarterback Justin Fields won't play on Sunday against the 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fields suffered a concussion during the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

While New York is turning to veteran backup Tyrod Taylor this week, it sounds like the Buccaneers will have QB1 Baker Mayfield in their starting lineup for the Week 3 matchup. 

Baker Mayfield was hurt Monday night

On Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport mentioned that Mayfield picked up "injuries" in Tampa Bay's come-from-behind 20-19 win over the Houston Texans on Monday night. However, Rapoport also shared that Mayfield "did not require MRIs or scans" following the victory. 

"Mayfield may take time off during practice this week, but should be good to go Sunday against the Jets," the NFL Media update added. 

What is Baker Mayfield dealing with ahead of Jets game?

Mayfield seemed to be dealing with a leg/ankle injury on multiple occasions during Monday's game, including when he popped to his feet after a carry to get in the face of Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. That setback didn't prevent Mayfield from earning a key first down with his legs during Tampa Bay's final possession of the contest, but it's now clear he wasn't 100 percent when he completed that highlight-reel run. 

Journeyman Teddy Bridgewater currently serves as the Buccaneers' QB2. 

According to Pro Football Reference, Mayfield heads into Week 3 ranked ninth in the NFL among qualified players with a 75.4 adjusted QBR and 10th with a 98.6 passer rating for the season. Over Tampa Bay's first two games, he tossed five touchdown passes and zero interceptions. 

This is the third year in a row that the Buccaneers have started a season with back-to-back wins during Mayfield's Tampa Bay tenure. The Bucs suffered Week 3 losses in each of the previous two campaigns. 

Shortly after Glenn announced that Taylor is getting the nod, ESPN BET had the Buccaneers as 6.5-point favorites over the Jets. It could be interesting to see whether or not that line moves if Mayfield misses a practice before then.