Through two weeks, Baker Mayfield has looked like the most clutch player in football, leading game-winning drives against both the Atlanta Falcons and the Houston Texans to bring his team up 2-0.
Now, going up against a New York Jets team without its starting quarterback, he might have been expecting an easy night. Unfortunately, that didn’t turn out to be the case at all, with a ferocious Jets defense making it a tough night for him through the first half, and giving Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans a cause for concern.
What Happened to Baker Mayfield?
Coming to the two-minute break, Mayfield had been individually excellent, throwing for 112 yards and a touchdown while completing nine of his 12 passing attempts. However, an injury-ravaged offensive line for Tampa Bay could not provide ample protection for him.
As a result, he was constantly getting hounded by the Jets defensive front, leading to a scary sight as Quincy Williams was able to land a hit directly on his throwing arm as he tried to go for a pass.
David J. Chao immediately took to X to state, “Baker Mayfield has a possible ulnar nerve issue. Something to watch.”
Baker Mayfield got hit on his throwing hand by Quincy Williams 👀
He was holding his hand and seemed to be in pain, I think he should be fine.
Lets see. pic.twitter.com/yiyK7gqz1D
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 21, 2025
For a team already missing key contributors like Tristan Wirfs, Chris Godwin, Luke Goedeke, Calijah Kancey, and Cody Mauch, any injury concerns for Mayfield could spell doom for their hopes of Super Bowl contention this season.
However, the warrior-like tendencies that the Oklahoma product has displayed throughout his career were in full effect. Barely missing a step, the former first overall pick was back in the game and led the Buccaneers to another field goal to increase the lead to 13-6.
A Vita Vea pick-six, though, finally gave Tampa Bay that comfortable situation they may have been hoping for, as their lead increased to 20-6 going into halftime. That sounds particularly beneficial for Mayfield, who could choose to be conservative to not make the situation worse for himself.
In the second half, it became clear that he wasn’t fully alright, as fans could notice multiple fumbles as he tried to receive the snap. Add in a weird change to his throwing motion, and it became apparent that all wasn’t right for Tampa Bay’s superstar quarterback.
Ultimately, though, it didn’t matter for Mayfield. Despite losing Mike Evans to a hamstring injury, he was able to go down the field for the third consecutive game, setting up a last-second field goal that gave the Buccaneers their third win of the season.
