Baker Mayfield injury update: MRI reveals severity of Buccaneers QB shoulder issue

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has had an impressive 2025 season, but he hit a speed bump on Sunday night. The 30-year-old suffered an injury during his team’s loss of the Los Angeles Rams. 

Questions about the extent of Mayfield’s left shoulder injury have arisen, but an MRI on Monday has provided an update. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Mayfield has been diagnosed with a low-grade shoulder sprain.

Alas, Mayfield was seen in pain after throwing a Hail Mary pass that was intercepted before halftime on Sunday. Then, at the start of the second half, the NBC broadcast showed the former Oklahoma star wearing a sling on his left shoulder, and Mike Tirico said the Bucs ruled him out for the rest of the game.

Mayfield went 9-of-19 for 41 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the Buccaneers’ 34-7 loss to the Rams. Teddy Bridgewater took over for Mayfield in the second half and completed 8-of-15 passes for 62 yards.

Entering the Week 12 game, Mayfield was putting together a very strong season. Through 10 games, the Austin native has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 2,365 yards, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions.

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Moreover, Mayfield is in his third season with the Buccaneers and has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He has made the Pro Bowl the last two years and led the Bucs to two NFC South titles during that span.

Sunday’s game was big for Mayfield despite the loss and injury, as he was a member of the Rams in 2022. Before Sunday’s game, Mayfield talked about how the Rams helped him become the player he is now.

“They helped me out and helped me discover what offense I really want to play in,” Mayfield said, per the Associated Press. “And the responsibility that comes with that, in the accountability at the line of scrimmage, and to check and get to the right plays. It was instrumental in my career, something I am forever grateful for, and it will be fun to go back and see some familiar faces.”

He made an impression on Rams head coach Sean McVay as well: “What he did was, he was himself,” McVay added. “I think when you look back on it, I don’t know that many people are surprised. It’s an impressive feat that’s a real testament to his competitiveness, but also his mental capacity to be able to handle and absorb so much information in a short amount of time.”