Baker Mayfield injury update: AC joint sprain leaves Buccaneers weighing Week 13 options vs. Cardinals

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield left Sunday night’s loss to the Rams with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing (left) shoulder, an injury that is painful but often manageable with treatment and protection. Imaging has been described as encouraging, putting the Baker Mayfield injury on a day-to-day track ahead of a pivotal home game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 30 (1 p.m. ET).

What happened to Baker Mayfield vs. Rams?

Late in the second quarter, Mayfield absorbed contact on a scramble, returned briefly, then aggravated the shoulder on a downfield throw before halftime. He did not play the second half of the Bucs vs. Rams matchup, which ended 34–7. The team characterized the damage as a low-grade sprain of the AC joint, the ligament complex that stabilizes the collarbone where it meets the shoulder blade. For quarterbacks, severity, swelling, and pain tolerance usually drive timelines more than pure structural concerns.

Is Baker Mayfield playing today?

There is no final game designation yet for Week 13. The plan hinges on three checkpoints:

• Range of motion and pain tolerance in the left shoulder after treatment and practice ramp-up.

• Functional tests (ball handling on handoffs, secure snaps under center, absorbing incidental contact).

• Medical and coaching sign-off after Friday’s injury report.

Given the low-grade diagnosis, it’s plausible Mayfield suits up with added padding and a pain-management plan. If symptoms linger or mobility is limited, the staff is prepared to hold him for one week to avoid setbacks. There is no Thursday or Friday game for Tampa Bay this week—the next kickoff is Sunday, so “tonight” questions do not apply.

Buccaneers backup QB: Teddy Bridgewater next man up

If Mayfield can’t go, Teddy Bridgewater will start. The veteran relieved Mayfield against Los Angeles and is known for quick decision-making and low turnover risk. Expect a ball-control script featuring quick game concepts, play-action, and a heavier dose of the run/pass option package to keep the chains moving. The club has also prepared a contingency to elevate a practice-squad passer to back up Bridgewater if necessary.

How the offense would change with Bridgewater

• Quicker rhythm: Three-step timing, crossers, and running back outlets to neutralize pressure.

• Play-action from under center: Keeps linebackers honest and manufactures intermediate windows.

• Shot plays by design: Fewer sandlot scrambles; explosives come from scripted deep posts or double-moves.

Bucs vs. Rams fallout: what it means for the NFC South race

At 6–5, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain in a tight NFC South race despite a three-game skid. The Rams loss amplified the urgency for clean, low-mistake football. With the defense still playing at a winning level, stabilizing the offense—whoever starts at quarterback—becomes the immediate focus. The silver lining: three straight home dates begin this week, offering a softer travel load for a bruised roster.

Week 13: Buccaneers vs. Cardinals matchup notes

Date/Time: Sunday, Nov. 30, 1 p.m. ET (Tampa).
Quarterback lens: Tampa’s choice is health-dependent (Mayfield vs. Bridgewater). Arizona’s situation also bears watching, with their own depth chart in flux.
Keys if Mayfield starts:

• Protect the left shoulder: Fewer designed keepers; climb-and-reset pockets rather than extended off-script hits.

• Early rhythm throws: Hitches, slants, and quick outs to Chris Godwin Jr. and the rookie trio keep the chains moving.

• Red-zone precision: Leverage tight ends on option routes to avoid contested throws.

Keys if Bridgewater starts:

• Avoid negative plays: Take the checkdowns; let the defense win field position.

• Run-game balance: Use duo and inside zone to set up play-action crossers.

• Third-down management: Accept punts over risky into-tight-windows attempts.

“Why is Baker Mayfield not playing today?” — what would bench him

• Soreness and swelling that limit ball security or the ability to brace for contact.

• Instability with pads off: Even in the non-throwing shoulder, stability matters when absorbing hits, handing off, or securing snaps in traffic.

• Risk of compensation injuries: Protecting the left side can change footwork and expose the right shoulder or ribs.

What to watch on the practice/injury reports

• Wednesday: Participation level often sets the tone (limited vs. DNP).

• Thursday: The true workload day; if Mayfield is throwing and taking some team reps, confidence rises.

• Friday: Final designation (questionable/doubtful/out) and any elevations at quarterback.

Bucs schedule snapshot

• Week 13: Cardinals at Buccaneers — Sun, Nov. 30, 1 p.m. ET

• Weeks 14–15: Two more home dates follow, a valuable runway to steady the offense and the division outlook. (Schedule subject to change.)

is Baker Mayfield hurt badly?

The Baker Mayfield news is as positive as a midseason scare gets: a low-grade AC joint sprain to the non-throwing shoulder, typically a short-term issue. He’s trending day-to-day, with a legitimate shot to face Arizona. If not, Teddy Bridgewater is positioned to run a conservative but efficient plan that protects the football and leans on structure. For a Bucs team still very much in the playoff picture, a clean Week 13 performance—regardless of starter—matters more than style points.