NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo just dropped some news, and it ain’t good for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback Baker Mayfield is reportedly dealing with a lower-leg injury. The dude was spotted in a walking boot, rehabbing and resting during their bye week, and his status for Week 11 against the Detroit Lions is completely up in the air.
Another Injury, Another Question Mark
This lower-leg issue apparently popped up during last week’s loss to the Chicago Bears. Here’s the kicker, though: Mayfield was sacked four times in that game, but he never actually left the field. So, when did it happen? Your guess is as good as mine, because the exact moment he picked up this injury against the Bears is unclear.
This isn’t even the first time this season the Bucs have been without their starting signal-caller. Remember back in Week 3? Mayfield dislocated his thumb, sidelining him for three games. It feels like this guy cannot catch a break, or maybe he’s attracting trouble out there.
The $165 Million Question Mark
It’s wild to think about the contract Mayfield signed right before the regular season opener. He inked a 3-year, $165 million extension with the Buccaneers. Publicly, he said negotiations would halt in the preseason so he could focus on the year ahead. Yet, that massive deal still got done.
How’s that investment looking so far? Honestly, not great. Mayfield has played in six games this season, and the team’s record in those starts is 2-4. He’s thrown for only 922 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He hasn’t looked like himself all year. And let’s not forget that infamous Week 8 game against the Atlanta Falcons, where in a bad-weather 16-0 win, he finished with 0-for-3 for 0 yards. That’s some history right there.
Jalon Daniels: Back Under Center?
If Mayfield can’t suit up, it means we’re looking at undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels taking the reins once again. He already filled in for those three games earlier in the season when Mayfield was out with the thumb injury, going 1-2 as the starter. So he’s got some experience, even if it wasn’t exactly a dominant run.
Daniels brings a different dynamic, especially with his legs. In his five appearances so far, he’s got 123 rushing yards on only 22 attempts. Through the air, he’s thrown for 5-1 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. So, if he gets the nod, expect them to lean on his mobility to try and move the ball.
The Buccaneers are sitting at a 3-6 record heading into next week, tied for second in the NFC South. After the Lions, they’ve got the Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Baltimore Ravens coming up. With eight straight games to close out the season after this bye, and their starting QB on the sidelines with a walking boot, this season could go south real fast for Tampa Bay.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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