Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is day-to-day with a hand injury from August 2025 camp. With depth thin, will Tampa sign a vet like Carson Wentz or Teddy Bridgewater?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when training camp was finding its rhythm, the Buccaneers were hit with the one thing fans dread most: an injury to their starting quarterback. Baker Mayfield was sidelined for Friday's practice with a contusion on his throwing hand, and while the team insists it's a day-to-day issue, Head Coach Todd Bowles is already actively scouring the market for a veteran reinforcement.
'Yeah. We're working on that.' - Todd Bowles on adding a veteran QB.
The scare came during Thursday's session, leading to precautionary scans that thankfully ruled out a serious injury. However, with Mayfield out and rookie Michael Pratt also sidelined with a back issue, the quarterback reps fell to Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak. Recognizing the thin depth, Coach Bowles confirmed the team is pursuing a veteran arm. Names like Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, Tyler Huntley, and C.J. Beathard have been floated as potential options to provide insurance and a steady hand while Mayfield mends.
Mayfield's hand contusion is unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg. The Bucs' injury report is starting to look like a Pro Bowl roster. Key starters including OT Tristan Wirfs (knee), WR Chris Godwin (ankle), LB Anthony Walker Jr. (knee), and G Sua Opeta (knee) are all out. Others like TE Cade Otton and WR Trey Palmer are questionable. The situation is dire enough that rookie OLB David Walker has already been lost for the entire 2025 season to a torn ACL, a brutal blow for the promising young player.
It wasn't all bad news at the AdventHealth Training Center. Amidst the injury concerns, Mike Evans continues to be a beacon of consistency, hauling in another touchdown during drills and reminding everyone why he's the franchise's cornerstone. His dominant camp performance is a crucial silver lining. Furthermore, Coach Bowles made a point to praise the development of an unnamed third-year running back, calling him 'exactly what we want,' and expressed excitement for a rookie defender, stating he 'loves what he's seeing.' These bright spots show that talent is stepping up across the roster, which will be essential in the coming weeks.
The next few days are critical. All eyes will be on Mayfield's recovery and which veteran quarterback Jason Licht brings in to steady the ship. With so many key players sidelined, the 'next man up' mentality is being tested early in Tampa. The front office is officially on the clock.
