The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 4 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield did not practice fully the entire week due to an injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Baker Mayfield Playing Week 4?
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.
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.
The veteran quarterback 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 he never missed any game time.
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On Saturday, Adam Schefter reported that Mayfield is expected to play against Philadelphia, providing the final confirmation that fantasy managers needed heading into Sunday’s contest.
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 and Schefter’s Saturday report, makes him a safe bet to be under center for Sunday’s crucial NFC matchup.
Mayfield’s Fantasy Football 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.
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The loss of WR Mike Evans for a few weeks will be felt, potentially in a big way against this strong Eagles defense, but with rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka profiling like a young 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-plus 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 a return.
Mayfield is currently QB11 for Week 4, and if you drafted him, I think you’re in good shape moving forward.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
