Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a low grade left shoulder sprain in Sunday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, an MRI on Monday revealed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
it's as good a diagnosis as "anyone could hope," a source told Rapoport.
Earlier Monday, coach Todd Bowles repeatedly reiterated that the club was waiting for the MRI to tell the complete picture, but said the initial belief was that Mayfield suffered an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder. Bowles said it was too early to tell if the QB would miss Week 13's tilt versus the Arizona Cardinals.
"Too early to tell. We'll wait for the MRI," Bowles said on Monday when asked about a potential timeline for Mayfield.
Bowles added that he's "not sure yet" if Mayfield's shoulder injury is one that he could play through.
Mayfield left Sunday's loss after suffering a shoulder injury in the first half. After a trip to the medical tent, the QB returned to the game, attempting a heave on the final play of the second quarter. Mayfield stayed on the ground after the play in obvious pain. He did not return to the contest in the second half and spent the duration on the sideline wearing a sling.
Veteran Teddy Bridgewater took over for the final two scoreless quarters for the Bucs, going 8-of-15 passing for 62 yards, with two sacks and no turnovers.
Mayfield's status is big for the 6-5 Bucs, who have lost three straight and have watched their once-dominant division lead dwindle. The 6-5 Carolina Panthers are surging in the NFC South ahead of a Monday night date with the San Francisco 49ers.
We'll have a better sense of Mayfield's timeline as the week progresses.
