The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have deviated from their original plan to play quarterback Baker Mayfield in their second 2025 preseason contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After completing their joint practice together, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told the media that NFL veteran wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David would be the only starters not to feature in Saturday’s clash at the Acrisure Stadium.
However, Bowles has changed his mind, and will now also hold out the two-time Pro Bowler.
Bowles has changed his mind
According to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, the decision was made after reviewing some tape of the 30-year-old from Thursday’s practice.
But Bucs fans should fear not as Stroud also relayed that the decision came because of how well he played in the joint workout.
Clearly, Bowles is keeping one eye on Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, ensuring that his star quarterback is not unnecessarily put at risk of sustaining any injury.
This follows previous reports that Mayfield had sustained a contusion on his throwing hand earlier on in training camp and prior to Tampa Bay’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.
However, this recent report now indicates that Mayfield is healthy ahead of Week 1, much to the delight of Bucs fans.
Following the news that Mayfield will sit out against the new-look Steelers, one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Good. No need for any starters to play in my opinion. The risk is way higher than the reward.”
“Love it. Baker is giving 110 per cent focus and effort every week, no need to risk it for a preseason biscuit,” another fan wrote.
“Put Baker in bubble wrap until September 7,” a third added.
Not all fans were pleased, though, wanting to see some action from their starters.
“I hope he at least plays the opening drive. The injury risk for a QB in one drive is so minimal,” one fan wrote. “It’d be nice to see a glimpse of the starting O. I believe TJ Watt and [Alex] Highsmith aren’t playing so it’s not like the Steelers’ pass rush will be dominating.”
“Bad idea IMO. Everyone needs those reps,” another commented.
Last season, Mayfield played all 17 games for the Bucs, leading them to a 10-7 record.
Completing a career-best 71.4 percent of his passes, he threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns – both career-highs – and 16 interceptions.
Mayfield rushed for an additional 378 yards – over double his previous career-best of 165 yards set back in the 2020 campaign when at the Cleveland Browns – and three touchdowns.
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The Bucs would reach the playoffs, but suffered a devastatingly close 23-20 loss to then-rookie Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.
With Mayfield out of the lineup, that leaves Bowles with the choice of either Kyle Trask, Connor Bazelak or the recently unretired Teddy Bridgewater to be the starting quarterback.
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