Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Accused of ‘Hiding Injury’ After Loss
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got off to a hot start this season, with a 5-1 record. Turns out they’ll need every part of as they’ve stumbled lately, losing 3 of their last 4 games to drop to 6-4, including consecutive losses the last 2 weeks.
Even worse? Both of those losses have come after their bye in Week 11.
After their latest setback, in a 44-32 road loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons questioned if there might be something physically wrong with 2-time Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“I would believe, if you gave me all the QBS and said one of these guys is hiding an injury, Mayfield would be my pick,” Simmons said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” on Sunday, November 16. “It’s like, ‘Oh, he has a torn labrum’ or like some sort of really bad injury we don’t know about. Because it also seems like he doesn’t want to run with the same zest. So it’s also like maybe he has like a hairline fracture of his left collarbone or something like that.”
Numbers Back Up Mayfield Might Have Problem
While it’s purely speculative to say Mayfield might be hurt, anyone who has watched him play over the last month has to wonder what happened to the freewheeling player who thrust himself into the NFL MVP conversation over the first 6 weeks of the regular season.
The numbers also back up that something has changed. Before the Bills game, Mayfield didn’t have a single rushing yard in the previous 3 games after essentially (for him) running wild over the first 6 weeks.
Against the Bills, Mayfield had 5 carries for 39 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the season — one he paid for dearly. Mayfield, who is still averaging 7.3 yards per carry, finished 16-of-28 passing for 173 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception in the loss to Buffalo.
“Baker Mayfield has now gone three straight games without a single rush attempt,” MB Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz wrote on his official X account before the Buccaneers played the Bills. “Was averaging 26 rush yards/game in Weeks 1-6. Popped up on injury report with a knee issue in Week 8, oblique added in Week 10. Probs playing through something we’ll find out more about in January.”
Injuries Have Defined Bucs Season So Far
If it turns out Mayfield has actually been playing hurt, it would be on brand for both how he approaches the game — he’s one of the NFL’s toughest players — and for how things have gone for the Buccaneers to this point in terms of injuries.
” … Bucs had six players get 500+ yards of offense last year, and two played Sunday,” Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account on November 16. “The other four — Bucky Irving, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan — have played 10 of a potential 40 games this season.”
After getting off to such a hot start, Mayfield is on track to have his numbers dip significantly from 2024, when he threw for career highs of 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns to go with 16 interceptions.
At his current pace, Mayfield would finish the 2025 regular season with approximately 4,020 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and a career low 5 interceptions.
Troy Aikman RIPS Cleveland Browns For Disrespecting Shedeur Sanders—"This Is No Way To Treat A Future Star"
“Troy Aikman’s Explosive Defense: A Turning Point for Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns!”
In the tumultuous arena of the NFL, where every play can be a matter of life or death for a career, the stakes have never been higher for rookie quarterback
With whispers of disrespect echoing through the halls of the Cleveland Browns organization, the young star has found himself at the center of a controversy that could define his career.
But just when it seemed the weight of the world was crashing down on him, Hall of Famer Troy Aikman stepped into the chaos, delivering a passionate defense that sent shockwaves through the football community.
Aikman, a name synonymous with greatness, took to the airwaves to voice his concerns about how the Browns have mishandled their prized rookie.
His words were not just a defense of
As the media frenzy intensified, Aikman’s fiery response was triggered by a series of questionable coaching decisions that have left
It’s a narrative that’s all too familiar in the NFL: a young player thrust into the spotlight, only to be met with skepticism and criticism from the very organization that should be nurturing him.
Aikman didn’t hold back.
He called out the Browns for their lack of support and guidance, challenging head coach Kevin Stefanski and his approach to developing young talent.
In a league where every decision can make or break a career,
The psychological implications of this situation are profound.
Sanders, the son of NFL legend
Yet, as the pressure mounted, it became clear that the Browns were not providing the support he needed.
Instead of nurturing their young quarterback, the organization seemed to be placing him in a precarious position, leaving him exposed to criticism and doubt.
Aikman’s defense of Sanders was more than just words; it was a passionate plea for accountability in a sport that often forgets the human element.
His comments highlighted the internal dynamics within the Browns’ locker room.
How do players feel about the treatment of their young quarterback?
Aikman’s words have sparked conversations among teammates, igniting a fire that could lead to significant changes in how the Browns approach their young talent.
As the media continues to dissect this unfolding drama, Aikman’s unexpected support could be the catalyst for a major shift in the national media’s perception of Sanders.
In a league where narratives can be crafted and destroyed in an instant, the backing of a Hall of Famer carries immense weight.
Aikman’s words serve as a reminder that when legends speak, the entire NFL pays attention.
The fallout from this incident could reshape the future of Sanders and the Browns.
Will the organization take heed of Aikman’s warning, or will they continue down a path that risks further alienating their young star?
The stakes have never been higher, and the pressure is mounting.
As fans, we are left to ponder the implications of this unfolding drama.
Aikman’s passionate defense has illuminated the cracks in the Browns’ foundation, and the question now is whether the organization can rise to the occasion.
In the unforgiving world of professional sports, the line between success and failure is razor-thin.
For Sanders, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with the support of figures like Aikman, there is hope for redemption.
As the media frenzy continues, one thing is certain: the eyes of the NFL are firmly fixed on Cleveland.
The actions taken by the Browns in the coming weeks will be scrutinized, and the pressure to deliver results will be immense.
Aikman’s stand has resonated not just with fans but also with players across the league.
The camaraderie within the NFL is palpable, and when one player is disrespected, it sends ripples throughout the entire community.
As Sanders navigates this tumultuous period, he must remember that he is not alone.
The support of legends like Aikman serves as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.
In the end, the saga of Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns is a testament to the complexities of professional sports.
It is a story of ambition, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
As we watch this drama unfold, we are reminded that in the NFL, every moment counts, and every decision carries weight.
Aikman’s impassioned defense of Sanders has sparked a conversation that transcends the game itself.
It challenges us to consider the treatment of young athletes and the responsibilities of organizations to nurture their talent.
As we look to the future, let’s hope that this moment serves as a turning point, a chance for the Browns to reevaluate their approach and for Sanders to rise above the noise.
In the unforgiving arena of the NFL, where legends are born and dreams are shattered, the journey of Shedeur Sanders is just beginning.
With the support of those who believe in him, there is no limit to what he can achieve.
As fans, we can only hope that this chapter in his story leads to greatness and that the lessons learned will resonate for years to come.
The NFL is watching, and the world is waiting.
Let the games begin!
