In perhaps the strangest game of the Week 6 slate, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints traded punches and lead changes throughout the first half, but Tampa Bay managed to pull away and beat the Saints, 51-27, thanks to a dominant second half.
Baker Mayfield played a huge role in the dominant win, but he also briefly limped off the field after taking a hard hit. What happened to Mayfield in Week 6, and what’s the latest on his status?
What Happened to Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield?
Facing a 3rd-and-9 with roughly two minutes remaining in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, Mayfield attempted to scramble for a first down. He was stopped a yard short by Saints defenders Carl Granderson and Bryan Bresee and stayed down on the field after taking a shot to the hip.
After leaving the field, Mayfield went to the blue medical tent and then limped along Tampa Bay’s sideline for an evaluation. Fortunately, he was able to return to the game without missing a single offensive snap. In fact, in his first play back, he managed to throw a block for running back Bucky Irving on a 31-yard run.
Mayfield finished the game with 325 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions (although one was due to a Jalen McMillan drop and another was a batted ball) while also rushing for 29 yards.
What if I told you Baker Mayfield leads the entire NFL in touchdowns with 14?
What if I told you that? pic.twitter.com/DhfqmvGwtI
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) October 13, 2024
The Bucs put up 51 points on their NFC South rivals for an impressive divisional win. Tampa Bay totaled 594 yards, setting a new franchise record, and it’s just their second 50-point game in team history.
Mayfield seemed fine after he returned, helping the Bucs pull away in the fourth quarter, so this injury is nothing to worry about. Even if he’s banged up, the Bucs don’t play again until next Monday when they’ll face the Baltimore Ravens, meaning he’ll an extra day to recover.
Fantasy Implications of Mayfield’s Injury
If Mayfield did have to miss time for some reason, Kyle Trask would be the next man up, and that would plenty of uncertainty should he be the Bucs’ starting QB.
We’ve seen Chris Godwin used in the slot with much more regularity this season than last. That would be the safest skill set to bet on when a backup QB takes over.
Godwin and Mike Evans would carry more risk and less reward than they did entering Week 6, but they would still profile as starters in most formats.
The value of Tampa Bay’s running backs would be in flux, as that position is a little more reliant on scoring equity. Irving would remain a Flex-worthy consideration in this event, though his range of outcomes certainly rises.
But, again, this doesn’t seem serious and Mayfield should be fine for Week 7.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe