How Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield just got impacted by new NFL rule

A minor NFL rule change could shake things up for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' QB Baker Mayfield.

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Baker Mayfield might not be enjoying his pregame routine as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer anymore.

On Tuesday, the NFL Network visited the San Francisco 49ers at training camp when tight end George Kittle came up to the set to break the news that the NFL is banning smelling salts and ammonia packets from being used during games.

This will not make Baker Mayfield happy. https://t.co/LKvMykJfVN

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 5, 2025

Smelling salts and ammonia packets have been used by NFL training staff when a player would go down with an injury, occasionally leading to them being knocked unconscious.

The stigma surrounding smelling salts has evolved over the years, particularly recently, as players and coaches alike have begun to use them to get hyped up during games or as they prepare to take the field.

Baker Mayfield just ripping smelling salts otw outta the tunnel. Absolute FOOTBALL guy pic.twitter.com/1LvjKwhqVc

— Betting Machine (@marzbets) January 16, 2024

READ MORE: How the Buccaneers got good news during training camp

Baker Mayfield, Salty?

Smelling salts and ammonia packets have been a topic of controversy for some time, with a major concern being that they can potentially mask injuries. While that hasn't quite been proven, it appears the NFL is banning them due to the nature of perhaps providing a player with an extra boost—what some might see as an advantage and not an even playing field.

Dec 3, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) takes the field for warms ups before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Mayfield has become a regular user of smelling salts as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. There have been numerous times he has used them as he gets ready to run out for warmups before the game, as well as on the sideline during the matchup.

Mayfield isn't the only one likely to be displeased with the reported rule change. Many players, including George Kittle, have already spoken out about the topic. However, I think it might be fair to say it won't be as drastic a change as Kittle made it out to be.

The players are there to play ball, and if they can't find a way to get amped up without the use of smelling salts, then this game might just not be for them.

---

READ MORE: Has Buccaneers' Mike Evans done enough to reach Hall of Fame?

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Buccaneers fan-favorite returns to training camp after injury

• Buccaneers’ Bucky Irving makes bold statement sending message to NFL

• Buccaneers make series of roster moves ahead of preseason game vs. Titans

• Buccaneers legend Jon Gruden breaks down one of his favorite Bucs plays from 2024