Optimistic news regarding Baker Mayfield's injury revealed in latest report

There may be a sliver of hope for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following Sunday night's disaster of a game.

Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had been trending in the wrong direction for over a month. 

READ MORE: The Good, Bad and Ugly from Buccaneers' 34-7 loss to Rams

On Sunday night, the unfortunate trend of events — defined both by constant injuries and poor performances — continued when the Bucs not only lost their primetime game to the Rams in embarrassing fashion, but also lost their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, to a left shoulder injury. 

Mayfield injured

Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) kneels on the field with an apparent injury against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

With the Bucs trailing 21-0 in the second quarter, Mayfield scrambled before landing awkwardly among multiple Rams defenders. Shortly thereafter, Mayfield could be seen favoring his left arm before abruptly heading to the blue medical tent. Although the signs were initially discouraging, Mayfield retook the field with his teammates to lead the final drive of the first half.

With just a few seconds remaining before the intermission and the Buccaneers not yet at midfield, the team opted to have their recently banged-up QB attempt a Hail Mary pass. Unfortunately, as soon as the ball left Mayfield’s hand, he fell to the turf, writhing in pain. 

Crisis averted?

Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks downfield during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Although the majority of people watching the game speculated that the injury would require Mayfield to miss significant time, a report from Adam Schefter on Monday presented a level of optimism few expected. 

According to Schefter, the Bucs believe Mayfield suffered a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder. “There was no fracture and no structural damage. One source said the Buccaneers ‘are not ruling out’ Mayfield for Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. But today’s MRI will tell more”. 

Pre MRI, the Buccaneers believe Baker Mayfield suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, per sources. There was no fracture and no structural damage. One source said the Buccaneers “are not ruling out” Mayfield for Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. But today’s MRI will… pic.twitter.com/9PGWpH6tue

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2025

It would be negligent to make the assumption that Mayfield will be good to go as early as next week, even with this optimistic early report from Schefter. The first hurdle for Mayfield to clear will be a positive MRI result. After that — depending on the diagnosis — recovery, treatment and pain management will all be key factors in determining when the Buccaneers can expect to get their QB back. 

Still, even the potential that Mayfield could be available for next week’s game would provide a massive boost for a team that has been beaten down of late, both literally and figuratively.

READ MORE: Former Buccaneers quarterback signs with NFC South rival

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