Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield has said for at least the last two games that every game from here on out is a playoff game for Tampa Bay. In order to make a playoff push, they’re going to need their star quarterback ready and available, especially for big divisional games coming down the stretch against the Carolina Panthers in a couple of weeks.

That’s why it was a big storyline all of last week when it came to whether or not Baker Mayfield would play. Mayfield had injured his left shoulder right before halftime against the Rams the week prior. Knowing that the Bucs were going against a three-win Cardinals team followed by a two-win Saints team, there was some thought about sitting him out in a more winnable game or two and going with backup Teddy Bridgwater instead.

Ultimately the Bucs decided that Mayfield was healthy enough to go for the game against the Cardinals, risking more blows on the left shoulder during it. The gamble paid off as the Bucs won 20-17 and Mayfield was efficient going 18 of 28 for 194 passing yards with one touchdown, no interceptions and a QB rating of 96.4. He also scrambled six times for 27 yards,  but was sacked twice in the game.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Baker Mayfield Reveals How His Left Shoulder Has Held Up

Mayfield got out of the game, so a box was checked. But is he any worse for wear? He spoke about it this week.

“It’s getting better,” Mayfield said.  “I didn’t take any direct hits like I mentioned to you guys, which is great. [It is] still one of those things that’s going to take time, so hopefully I can put two of those in a row together. For practice reps, we’ll see how it progresses. [I] take as many reps as I can possibly get, but if not, then just do the mental preparation like I did last week.”

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

Mayfield wasn’t helped out by some drops by receivers in the game, but he also had some missed throws, including one to Tez Johnson that would’ve set up the Bucs well on a big play. The Bucs’ quarterback was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but it was a walkthrough. Last week he didn’t participate at all on that Wednesday, so he’s already ahead of schedule.

Facing An Opponent For A Second Matchup

And how about this next matchup against the Saints? While it’s a game the Bucs should win, this is also a division rival that will take their shots, whether legal or not, against an opponent. Mayfield talked more about their meeting for the second time this season.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

“We don’t like them; they don’t like us,” Baker Mayfield said bluntly. “They play hard, you can see it on the tape based on the other games that they’ve played since we’ve played them last and it shows. We know what to expect; record doesn’t indicate how physical this matchup is going to be [and] what a tough matchup it is. They know us, we know them well, so it’s one of those, who can execute better and be the more physical team?”