Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss practice on Friday after sustaining a contusion to his throwing hand during Thursday’s training camp, NFL Network reported. The injury is considered minor, with Mayfield being listed as day-to-day following scans that ruled out any serious damage.

Mayfield’s Strong Recent Performance Amid Injury

Entering his third season with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has distinguished himself with back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. Last season marked his best professional campaign, where he recorded a 71.4% completion rate, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns against 16 interceptions. These numbers tied him with Kirk Cousins, another NFC South quarterback, for the league lead in touchdowns.

In addition to his personal achievements, Mayfield led Tampa Bay to a 10-7 record, securing the team’s fifth straight playoff berth and posting his best starting win-loss record since 2020.

Opportunities Arise for Buccaneers’ Young Quarterbacks

With Mayfield sidelined temporarily, Tampa Bay has the chance to assess its younger quarterback talent. Former second-round pick Kyle Trask, who has been with the team since 2021, is expected to take the majority of first-team reps during practice. This period also allows second-year player Michael Pratt, drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, an opportunity to gain more experience as he aims to secure a roster spot.

What Mayfield’s Status Means for Tampa Bay Moving Forward

This brief injury pause for Mayfield emphasizes the importance of depth at the quarterback position for the Buccaneers as they prepare for the new season. While the hand contusion appears manageable, the team will benefit from evaluating its backup options in live practice scenarios. The Buccaneers remain hopeful Mayfield will recover quickly and resume his leadership role as they aim to build on their recent playoff successes.