Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ signal-caller, Baker Mayfield, appeared on Tuesday’s injury report with a previously unlisted ailment to his throwing shoulder, merely days ahead of the crucial match against the Carolina Panthers, a game potentially deciding the NFC South victor.
The Buccaneers additionally noted an unspecified knee issue for Mayfield. He had sustained damage to his non-throwing shoulder during a Week 12 defeat by the Los Angeles Rams. Although he departed that contest prematurely, he has participated in every subsequent game and had not been featured on the injury report for that specific problem lately.
The disclosed afflictions to his right shoulder and knee on Tuesday represented fresh concerns. Mayfield was categorized as a restricted participant on an unofficial practice sheet, coinciding with the Buccaneers’ light training session.
Specifics regarding the type of injuries or their onset remained unclarified. The Tampa Bay organization initially offered no additional particulars beyond confirming his restricted engagement in practice.
Baker Mayfield is hobbled ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Panthers-Bucs game.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
What Effect Will These Ailments Have on Saturday’s Panthers-Bucs Contest?
Currently, there is no suggestion that these physical issues imperil Mayfield’s participation in Saturday’s face-off with the Panthers. Nevertheless, they contribute to growing apprehension surrounding a Buccaneers squad that has struggled significantly in the latter half of the season, heading into Week 18 having suffered defeats in seven of their preceding eight matches, thus relinquishing their dominance over the NFC South.
Mayfield’s on-field performance has deteriorated concurrently with his team’s struggles. During the Buccaneers’ strong 6-3 opening, Mayfield recorded four outings with a passer rating exceeding 100. He has not surpassed this figure since Week 10, and within that subsequent period, he has registered four games with a rating beneath 80.
Presently, he contends with fresh physical setbacks leading up to Tampa Bay’s most critical encounter of the current campaign. A victory for the Panthers would secure them the NFC South title and the sole postseason spot from the division, achieving an overall record of 9-8.
The Buccaneers would maintain their contention for the divisional championship with a win, but additionally require the New Orleans Saints to defeat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Should both the Buccaneers and Falcons emerge victorious this week, the Panthers would possess the three-way tie-breaking advantage, resulting in Carolina, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay all concluding their seasons at 8-9.
