The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on a much-needed bye week in Week 10, but that doesn't mean they’re getting a break from injury concerns.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Mayfield’s status for Week 11 against the Detroit Lions is uncertain as he deals with a lower leg injury suffered last week.
Mayfield was seen limping throughout the game, but he was able to finish the contest, and the injury didn’t appear to be significant. But Garafolo’s report indicates the injury is more serious than initially expected.
Baker Mayfield could miss time with lower leg injury according to report
“Mayfield has been in and out of a walking boot in recent days as a way of rehabbing and resting the injury during Tampa Bay's bye week, which came at a fortunate time for him. The injury is not considered a long-term issue, according to sources. Any missed playing time for Mayfield would be minimal, and injured reserve is not a consideration,” wrote Garafolo.
It’s encouraging that this isn’t considered a long-term issue, but the fact that Mayfield has been using a walking boot is concerning, to say the least.
Tampa Bay’s bye week came at the perfect time, because it’s unlikely Mayfield would have been able to play this week.
The bigger, more overlying issue here is that Mayfield can’t seem to stay healthy. That’s not necessarily a knock on Mayfield, as injuries can be flukey and luck plays a big role.
But Mayfield has been dealing with nagging injuries dating back to last season. He missed three games earlier this year with a dislocated thumb, and now he’s dealing with this new foot and ankle injury.
The Buccaneers need a healthy Mayfield down the stretch. He’s already playing poorly as it is, delivering the worst season of his Buccaneers career. It’s hard to envision that his performance will improve operating at less than 100% from a health perspective.
Tampa Bay is sitting at 3-6 and in the midst of a tight NFC South race. The Buccaneers can’t afford to let more games slip away with the division title within reach.
If Mayfield misses time or continues playing through injuries, it could be the difference between the Buccaneers making a late-season push for a playoff berth or watching their postseason hopes slip away. The Buccaneers need their franchise quarterback at full strength the rest of the way, because they really don’t have any more room for error.
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