Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield did not return to Sunday night's 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams after suffering a left shoulder injury in the first half.
Mayfield went into the blue medical tent favoring his left non-throwing arm moments after he threw a touchdown to receiver Tez Johnson in the second quarter.
Mayfield was back out on the field for the Buccaneers' ensuing possession. But he heaved a pass with all his might on the final play of the first half, and as the ball fell incomplete, Mayfield was down on a knee in clear pain. After he initially was ruled doubtful to return, Mayfield emerged from the locker room with his left arm in a sling.
He sustained a shoulder sprain and will have an MRI on Monday, head coach Todd Bowles said after the game.
The Rams led, 31-7, when Teddy Bridgewater took over under center in the third quarter for Tampa Bay.
Through a half, Mayfield was 9 of 19 for 41 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He also ran four times for 19 yards.
On one run just before his TD pass to Johnson, Mayfield did his best to bull through Rams defenders, perhaps causing the injury initially.
Considering the lopsided nature of the score, it would have been surprising to see Mayfield return to action, but more concerning is the seriousness of the injury and if it will put his status into question in the coming weeks.
