How long is Baker Mayfield out? Injury update, timeline for Bucs QBNick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYMon, November 24, 2025 at 10:09 PM UTC·3 min readThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers' injury bug infestation has found the quarterback room.
That was one of the only places that hadn't been impacted this season – until "Sunday Night Football" in Week 12, when Baker Mayfield departed with a shoulder injury.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe quarterback took some hard hits from a physical Los Angeles Rams defense, which ultimately forced him out of action. Mayfield entered the blue medical tent in the second quarter after injuring his left shoulder, but returned without missing a play.
For a moment, the crisis was averted. Then he went down again at the end of the first half before ultimately being ruled out.
Seen wearing a sling, it's a tough sight for the Buccaneers, who can't seem to avoid injuries in 2025. The quarterback has always been known for his toughness and hasn't missed a game since joining the Buccaneers. Now Tampa will hope it remains that way.
Here's a look at how much time the quarterback could miss.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.How long is Baker Mayfield out?
Mayfield doesn't have a timeline to return yet.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBefore receiving an MRI, the Buccaneers believe Baker Mayfield suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team also concluded there is no fracture or structural damage.
Mayfield suffered a shoulder sprain in Week 12 and will receive an MRI on Nov. 24, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
The coach wasn't asked about an immediate timeline for Mayfield's potential return and didn't offer one.
Bowles added that the quarterback hurt his shoulder initially earlier in the game, but reaggravated it at the end of the first half.
"Teddy [Bridgewater] will play if he's out for some time, obviously we'll bring up Connor [Bazelak] from [the practice squad] and then we'll go from there," Bowles said. "Very confident in what Teddy can do with a full week of practice, taking every snap and every play, we think he'll be fine."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBaker Mayfield injury update
Mayfield was ruled out for the remainder of "Sunday Night Football" in Week 12. He was spotted on the sidelines with his left arm in a sling.
Bridgewater replaced Mayfield to begin the second half, who was initially listed as doubtful to return after his discomfort was on full display at the end of the first half.
The quarterback heaved up a pass, hoping for a last-second score, but his pass was intercepted. While Emmanuel Forbes Jr. tried to run it back for a Rams' touchdown, Mayfield was down and in plenty of pain – his final action of Week 12.
Buccaneers QB depth chart
Baker Mayfield
Teddy Bridgewater
Connor Bazelak (practice squad)
The Bucs carry only two quarterbacks on their active roster, leaving veteran Bridgewater as the backup. Mayfield has always been a player who battles through whatever seems to be ailing him, but tests will determine if that can remain the case going forward.
If Mayfield is forced to miss time, Tampa will turn to Bridgewater and sign Bazelak from the practice squad to play the role of backup.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long is Baker Mayfield out? Bucs QB suffers shoulder sprain on SNF
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