When it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and injuries in 2025, it seems like things can always get worse.
The latest and most concerning injury came in Week 12 as the Buccaneers were getting blown out by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, with quarterback Baker Mayfield appearing to injure his left shoulder on a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half and being forced to leave the game.
Mayfield did not return to the field in the second half, with the Buccaneers trailing 31-7. Veteran backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater came in to take Mayfield’s place.
“Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, who hit the turf in pain right before the half, is doubtful to return with a left shoulder injury,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on his official X account on November 23.
Mayfield appeared to hurt his left shoulder on a run earlier in the first half and had to go in the medical tent to get it examined before returning to the field.
The Buccaneers were 6-4 and losers of 2 consecutive games headed into the game against the Rams. Mayfield was officially ruled out toward the end of the third quarter.
“Buccaneers have ruled out Baker Mayfield for tonight due to a left shoulder injury,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account. “Baker Mayfield is on the sideline with his left arm in a sling.”
Mayfield Hasn’t Missed Game With Buccaneers
Mayfield has been one of the NFL’s most durable contracts in his first 3 seasons as the starter for the Buccaneers and hasn’t missed a game since signing a 1-year, $3 million contract before the 2023 season.
The game against the Rams was his 48th consecutive start for Tampa Bay, including regular season games and playoff games.
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns, actually played part of one season for the Rams in 2022 before coming to the Buccaneers.
He made the first 2 Pro Bowls of his career in 2023 and 2024, when he led Tampa Bay to consecutive NFC South Division titles. The Buccaneers signed Mayfield to a 3-year, $100 million contract in March 2024.
There was some criticism of having Mayfield even attempt a Hail Mary at the end of the first half — the pass came up about 20 yards short of the end zone.
“There was no point in trying to have Baker Mayfield heave the 70-yard Hail Mary at the end of the half,” Check the Mic’s Steve Palazollo wrote on his official X account.
Injuries Have Decimated Roster for Buccaneers
The Buccaneers entered the 2025 season as NFC contenders and seemed to be living up to that through the first month of the season before injuries completely decimated the roster.
The Buccaneers were not only missing Mayfield, but missing NFL All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) and 1,000-yard rusher and second year running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) against the Rams.
Another NFL All-Pro wide receiver Chris Godwin returned against the Rams after missing the previous 5 games and has missed 8 games due to injury this season. Godwin, who signed a 3-year, $66 million contract in March, had just 2 receptions for 9 yards headed into the fourth quarter against the Rams.
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