Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has been sidelined from practice after sustaining a contusion on his throwing hand, affecting his preparation for the upcoming preseason. This setback disrupts Mayfield’s usual routine of training camp repetitions, which are essential for maintaining form, learning new strategies, and building rapport with teammates, especially new additions to the roster.
The injury came to light shortly after Mayfield underwent precautionary scans, which ruled out any severe damage. He is currently considered day to day, with no major concerns at this time. NFL reporter Tom Pelissero confirmed the situation, emphasizing that Mayfield will not participate in practice sessions while he recovers.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield won’t practice today after suffering a contusion on his throwing hand Thursday, per source.
Mayfield underwent scans as a precaution and ruled out a more significant injury. He’s day to day.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 1, 2025
Recap of Mayfield’s Breakout Season and Current Challenges
Last season, Mayfield delivered career-best numbers, passing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with a completion rate exceeding 71%, dispelling any doubts about his ability at the NFL level. His performance helped the Buccaneers secure the NFC South division title with a 10-7 record, easing concerns over the team’s direction following Tom Brady’s departure.
However, the road ahead is different as Mayfield adjusts to new coaching personnel. The Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, who played a key role in improving Mayfield’s passing skills, has accepted the head coaching position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This departure means Mayfield must now adapt to Josh Grizzard’s system, the new offensive coordinator in his first year in this role.
Adapting to a New Offensive Strategy Under Josh Grizzard
Grizzard, who previously served as the Buccaneers’ pass game coordinator, worked closely with the quarterbacks on refining their techniques and learning the offensive process. His promotion to offensive coordinator suggests that Grizzard intends to implement changes to the passing game, influenced by his mentors Mike McDaniel and Adam Gase.
Mayfield’s missed practice sessions due to his hand injury reduce valuable time needed to absorb Grizzard’s adjustments, fine-tune the offense, and build chemistry with the team. At 29 years old, these repetitions are crucial for Mayfield to maintain and elevate his performance within the new scheme.
Broader Implications for the Buccaneers’ Season Outlook
While the Buccaneers secured a playoff spot last season, team leadership and fans expect more sustained success. The NFC features several formidable teams like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, all contending for playoff advancement. Key regular-season matchups against these divisional rivals could influence postseason seedings.
Though a hand contusion is generally less severe than other injuries, Mayfield and the Buccaneers understand that timely recovery is essential to keep pace with NFC competition. The pressing question remains whether Mayfield can return quickly enough to master Grizzard’s offensive innovations and protect the team’s pursuit of a deeper playoff run without interruption.