The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing for what promises to be a challenging home test against the Philadelphia Eagles as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season. Baker Mayfield appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with an unusual designation that caught the attention of fantasy football managers. What is the latest on his status?
Baker Mayfield Injury Update
Mayfield was limited at practice on Wednesday due to a biceps injury involving his right arm, earning him a spot on the team’s injury report. A biceps injury is a strange ailment to be listed with for a quarterback, as it’s not typically an area that receives significant attention in injury reporting.
As a reminder, Wednesday practices are largely meaningless in terms of actual game availability. Teams routinely exercise extreme caution with injury reporting, especially for veteran players who could easily receive maintenance days during the early portion of the week.
Mayfield practiced with a sleeve on his right arm and was listed as limited participation, according to the team’s official injury report. The fact that he was able to practice at all suggests this is more of a precautionary measure than a serious concern about his throwing ability.
Mayfield is constantly banged up, but always manages to play through various ailments. He’s established himself as one of the toughest players in the NFL, consistently taking hits and bouncing back to lead his team in crucial moments.
This biceps designation follows a pattern of Mayfield dealing with minor injuries that never seem to affect his availability. Earlier this season, he appeared on injury reports with foot and other minor issues, but never missed any game time.
The veteran quarterback has been instrumental in Tampa Bay’s 3-0 start, engineering game-winning drives in both of the team’s first two contests. His leadership and toughness have become defining characteristics of this Buccaneers team.
Mayfield is not in any jeopardy of missing Week 4 against Philadelphia. His track record of playing through minor injuries, combined with the routine nature of Wednesday limitations, makes him a safe bet to be under center for Sunday’s crucial NFC matchup.
Friday Update: Mayfield drew a questionable tag, but is expected to play. Fantasy managers should have no concern over his availability.
Mayfield Fantasy Outlook
Baker Mayfield is the type of player you want your fantasy fate in the hands of because it truly feels like he has your back. He fights for every inch and is willing to put his body (and chain) in harm’s way to get it done.
He doesn’t play like a former first overall pick, he plays like that last kid picked for a schoolyard hoops game that has to grind out every edge to maximize his value.
The loss of Mike Evans for a few weeks will be felt, potentially in a big way against this strong Eagles defense, but with Emeka Egbuka profiling like young Mike Evans, I’m not sure Mayfield’s stock comes crashing down.
He’s been QB13 or better every week this season in part because he has 30+ rushing yards in every contest. As defenses start to fear his legs, I’m looking for big pass plays to open up outside of the pocket, especially with a veteran like Chris Godwin nearing return.
Mayfield is currently QB11 for Week 4, and I think you’re sitting pretty moving forward if you drafted him.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
