Baker Mayfield, the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will not take the field in the team’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. This decision came after Mayfield demonstrated an impressive showing during a recent joint workout with the Steelers, leading head coach Todd Bowles to shelve him for the game to protect his readiness.
The news marks a shift from earlier plans where Mayfield was expected to play some snaps in the preseason, following a trend across the NFL to allow starters limited game time to shake off rust. Fans in Pittsburgh had anticipated seeing the Buccaneers’ quarterback in action, but the choice to prioritize his health and preparedness reflects a cautious approach.
Recent Injury and Recovery Status for Mayfield
Mayfield had recently missed a practice session due to a contusion on his throwing hand, prompting concerns about his availability. Thankfully, medical examinations ruled out any serious injury, allowing him to return to full participation in team activities. His performance in the joint workout with the Steelers solidified the coaching staff’s confidence in his current condition.
Mayfield’s Career-Best Season and Team Success
Coming off the most successful season of his career, Mayfield completed 4,500 passing yards with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. His exceptional play helped the Buccaneers secure their fourth straight NFC South division title and earned him 11th place in the MVP voting. The team’s postseason run ended narrowly in the Wild Card Round after a 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders, decided by a last-second field goal from kicker Zane Gonzalez.
Upcoming Challenges for Tampa Bay in 2025 Regular Season
The Buccaneers face a demanding schedule to start the 2025 NFL season, emphasizing the need for Mayfield to be fully prepared. Their opener is a divisional road game against the Atlanta Falcons, a team that swept Tampa Bay last year and claimed victories in two of their three trips to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The second week brings a Monday Night Football clash with the Houston Texans, followed by the Buccaneers’ home debut in Week 3 against the New York Jets.
Week 4 will spotlight a high-profile matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, at Raymond James Stadium. Making the playoffs would mark the longest postseason streak in franchise history, and early season outcomes may largely depend on having Mayfield healthy and ready to lead the offense.
Expert Analysis and Coach’s Perspective on Mayfield’s Status
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times shared via social media,
“After reviewing the tape of today’s practice, Todd Bowles just told me he believes Baker Mayfield played so well today in the joint workout with the Steelers he will NOT play in Saturday night’s game,”
underscoring the coaching staff’s satisfaction with Mayfield’s progress.
With the quarterback’s health secure and performance encouraging, Tampa Bay’s cautious approach aims to ensure Mayfield is primed for the early season tests and the team’s ambitious playoff goals.