Baker Mayfield falls against the Rams and raises alarm

On Sunday at SoFi Stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took an unexpected hit. Their starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, left the game after the final play of the first half against the Rams. The passer threw a Hail Mary that was intercepted and ended up with severe pain in his left shoulder, forcing him out for the rest of the contest.

According to Sporting News, coach Todd Bowles confirmed Baker Mayfield sustained a shoulder sprain and would undergo an MRI to determine the severity. Bowles added that if the signal-caller needs recovery time, veteran Teddy Bridgewater will take over the offense. Meanwhile, rookie Connor Bazelak could be called up from the practice squad to add depth at the position.

Baker Mayfield had to go to the medical tent after throwing this touchdown:pic.twitter.com/Uwh3jfqZU3

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) November 24, 2025

A game that shifted course

Up to the moment of the injury, Baker Mayfield had completed 9 of 19 passes for 41 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. His exit pushed Teddy Bridgewater into action, who finished with 62 yards on 8 of 15 passes, without scores or turnovers. While the backup showed composure, the offense lost spark and revealed how much Tampa Bay depends on its leader.

Baker Mayfield had already felt discomfort earlier in the game, even after throwing a touchdown to Tez Johnson, when he was checked in the medical tent. The repeated hits from the Rams’ defense eventually worsened the situation.

Worrisome history

The injury brings back memories of previous shoulder problems for Baker Mayfield. In 2021, while playing for the Cleveland Browns, he suffered a dislocation and a partial labrum tear in the same shoulder. That setback affected his performance all season and led to surgery in 2022. This history makes any blow to that area a serious concern for both the player and the franchise.

Baker Mayfield –

Left arm is hanging but not seeing a ton at the left arm/shoulder.
Curious if he reinjured his oblique or lat as he got bent and twisted back.
Currently in the medical tent pic.twitter.com/90nd6bp2lz

— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) November 24, 2025

Tampa Bay remains one of the NFC’s strongest teams this year, with Baker Mayfield as the centerpiece of its offense. His 2025 numbers back it up: 2,406 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and only five interceptions through Week 12. Yet the injury arrives at a critical moment. Just as the schedule intensifies with matchups against the Cardinals, Saints, and Falcons—direct rivals in the playoff race.

Is the Super Bowl slipping away?

Bowles trusts Teddy Bridgewater to keep the team competitive, but a prolonged absence for Baker Mayfield would be a heavy blow to Super Bowl aspirations. The organization knows its quarterback provides not only stats but also character and leadership in pressure moments.

With Baker Mayfield sidelined, questions arise about the Buccaneers’ immediate future. The team must find quick solutions to sustain its competitive rhythm while awaiting the recovery of its star passer.