TL;DR
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead AFC South despite Rams loss, now 6-5.
- Quarterback Baker Mayfield is healthy and expected to play against Arizona Cardinals.
- Mayfield's return is crucial for Buccaneers to secure NFC South title.
- Mayfield aims for postseason, having led teams there three previous times.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are presently holding a narrow advantage in the AFC South, even after suffering a significant defeat against the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday, with a score of 34-7. The Bucs, now at 6-5, aim to recover their form at home in Week 13 as they prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals, who currently stand at 3-8.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to provide a significant lift, reportedly appearing healthy during practice this week as he works to recover from a sprained left shoulder.
MORE: Buccaneers' Bucky Irving finally cleared for takeoff vs. Cardinals
Regarding his quarterback's general outlook for this weekend, Buccaneers beat writer Rick Stroud shared on social media what head coach Todd Bowles had to say.
"He did really well," Bowles told the media on Friday. "He [was] very limited on Wednesday, he did a little more yesterday, and he moved around perfectly today."
Tampa benefits from Mayfield's excellent timing.
The return of Mayfield is crucial, as Tampa Bay aims to finish the season strong to secure the NFC South title. Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers offense, showing rapid improvement, are close behind at 6-6. The Panthers are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Rams this weekend.
Mayfield has an opportunity to guide his team to the postseason, having achieved this milestone three prior times: once with the Cleveland Browns in 2020, and two times with The Buccaneers in 2023 and 2024. He signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in March 2023.