Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has been dinged up throughout the 2024 season. Week 16 brought another hit as Mayfield had to exit the Bucs’ Sunday Night Football game vs. the Dallas Cowboys.
Below we recap what happened to Mayfield and the latest on his game status.
What Happened to Baker Mayfield?
Mayfield was forced to head to the blue medical tent for a concussion evaluation from the independent neurotrauma consultant. The check came at the end of Tampa Bay’s opening drive in the fourth quarter, with the Bucs trailing 26-17.
Mayfield was flung to the ground after a sack by Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson earlier in the drive. He stayed in to finish the drive before heading to the tent.
Donovan Wilson comes flying in for the sack!
📺: #TBvsDAL on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/rxcmpMaqje— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024
The Bucs QB had 196 passing yards and a touchdown prior to exiting. He had also taken three sacks with Tampa Bay dropping back to pass most plays in the second half while trailing Dallas by multiple scores.
Mayfield cleared the initial concussion protocol check and was under center for the Bucs’ ensuing drive.
Potential Fantasy Fallout From Mayfield’s Injury
Analysis via PFN’s Jason Katz
Mayfield has been one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy this year with nine games of 20+ fantasy points. He was about one touchdown away from a 10th before he departed.
If Mayfield has a concussion and can’t clear in time for next week, it would be a huge downgrade for Mike Evans, Rachaad White, and even Bucky Irving. As much as the Bucs would try and lean on the run game, it doesn’t work without the threat Mayfield poses through the air.
Evans would still be startable as more of a low WR2, while White would drop to RB3 range.
