The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are struggling against the Los Angeles Rams, down 31-7 in the first half. Just when something positive finally happened for Tampa, a touchdown completion to Tez Johnson to cut the score to 21-7, an injury scare changed everything. After heading to the blue tent with an apparent shoulder injury, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield returned to the game.
“Report from the Bucs' sideline: QB Baker Mayfield has a left shoulder injury but is expected to return to the game,” Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com reported.
Mayfield hurled the 14-yard touchdown pass to Johnson and took a hit in the process. The Buccaneers quarterback went back to the sideline holding his left arm stationary. He went into the blue tent with the independent neurologist. It was later determined not to be a head injury.
The Buccaneers struggled on both sides of the ball to start Sunday Night Football. On the Rams' first four possessions, they scored four touchdowns. On the Buccaneers' first four possessions, they managed just 93 total yards and one score. With all of the injuries to their offense, Mike Evans and Bucky Irving remain out, Mayfield is a necessity to keep this team competitive.
Despite the rocky start, the Buccaneers are still in a good position in the NFC South. A loss on Sunday night would tie them for first place with the Carolina Panthers ahead of their Monday matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Mayfield staying healthy, while it may not do much for the Rams matchup, is key for the future.
While Mayfield has been the quarterback, the Buccaneers have been a perennial playoff contender. While they have not reached the heights of the Tom Brady team, they have also not lost a division title. This season has not gone to plan so far. But an unforeseen comeback in primetime would be quite the way to start an epic end of the season.
