Will Baker Mayfield play in Week 13? Bucs QB gets confusing injury update

Will Baker Mayfield play in Week 13? Bucs QB gets confusing injury update originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams was brutal, but what made it worse was what happened to Baker Mayfield at the end of the first half.

Baker launched a Hail Mary attempt, but threw with such power and velocity that he did something to his shoulder that left him kneeling on the ground in pain, clutching his left shoulder.

Mayfield wouldn't return to the game, and head coach Todd Bowles stated post-game that Baker had a shoulder sprain and more would be found out tomorrow.

Well, now we know more.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Mayfield suffered an AC joint sprain, with no additional damage, so that's good. But the confusing part for Buccaneers fans is that Baker's game day status for Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals is uncertain.

Fowler also stated there is no long-term concern for Baker and his shoulder.

More: Buccaneers' Todd Bowles gives uplifting Baker Mayfield injury update

Buccaneers' season hanging by a thread

The fact that Baker hasn't already been ruled out of Week 13 is a good sign, but that doesn't mean he won't be seriously hampered by the injury if he does suit up.

So, at 6-5, with the Carolina Panthers breathing down their neck for the NFC South, things are a little tense in Tampa Bay right now as it navigates losing four of its last five games.

And if Baker can't play for a week or two, that is going to put pressure on Teddy Bridgewater to keep this ship afloat until Mayfield gets back.

Having started the year 5-1, the Buccaneers have hit the skids, and now are in freefall with their starting quarterback injured.

Their season is in danger of slipping away.

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• Is Chris Godwin playing tonight? Why Bucs WR is off to quiet start in Week 12

• Bucky Irving's absence, explained: Bucs star battled injury and off-the-field issue

• When is Bucky Irving coming back? Buccaneers' RB gets positive injury return timeline revealed by ESPN's Adam Schefter