Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is dealing with a lower-leg injury, casting doubt on his availability for a Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The setback occurred during a 27-24 loss to the Chicago Bears.
During Tampa Bay’s bye week, Mayfield has been in and out of a walking boot in recent days as a way of rehabbing and resting the injury. The 31-year-old quarterback was sacked four times by the Bears defense during the game at Soldier Field, where Chicago defensive end Austin Booker also brought him down in the backfield.
Sources indicated that the issue involves his foot and ankle area, though the injury isn’t considered a long-term issue and injured reserve is not under consideration. For the season, Mayfield has completed 86 of 142 passes for 922 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions across six appearances, leading an offense that averages 163.9 rushing yards per game compared to 141.9 passing yards.
No official ruling has been made on Mayfield’s status for the November 22 game at Ford Field. “No one has ruled Mayfield out of next week's game in Detroit, and several sources have noted his willingness to play through injuries in the past,” Garafolo reported.
If it's a question of pain tolerance over functionality, according to sources, Mayfield will do everything he can to take the field against the Lions. Garafolo added
The Buccaneers are resting during their bye week before traveling to Detroit. The Lions beat the Bucs last season in Week 7 at Ford Field, 24-9. The Bucs defeated the Lions in 2024 in Week 2 in Detroit, 20-16. And the Lions eliminated the Bucs in the divisional round of the playoffs in the 2023 season, 31-23.
This marks the second health hurdle for Mayfield in 2026. Mayfield previously missed three games with a dislocated right thumb suffered against Minnesota in Week 3.
During that absence, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels filled in as the starter, going 1-2. Daniels would be the likely replacement if Mayfield cannot suit up against Detroit, having posted 501 passing yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions while rushing for 123 yards on 22 attempts across multiple total appearances.
If Mayfield is sidelined, Tampa Bay is expected to continue relying on running backs Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, and others out of the backfield. Mayfield and the Buccaneers agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension before the team’s regular-season opener.
The Buccaneers enter Week 11 with a 3-6 record, sitting half a game behind the NFC South lead and tied for second place in the division. Following their matchup against the Lions, Tampa Bay’s upcoming schedule features games against the Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens.
