It's safe to say the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the middle of a nightmare. First, they lost 28-23 to the Patriots, then a 44-32 loss to the Bills, and now, a 34-7 loss to the Rams. The hits just keep coming.

Unfortunately, there's another one that's already hit them. Tampa Bay walked into Los Angeles hoping for a steady night, but one moment changed everything.

After a late, second quarter touchdown drive, Baker Mayfield prepared to pass in the next. He had already hurt his shoulder in the first quarter, but making a Hail Mary attempt, he went to the ground. He didn't return from the sidelines after that.

Soon after, the team listed him as doubtful. When he came back from the locker room with his arm in a sling, the message was clear: his night was over. Head coach Todd Bowles later revealed, "He hurt it earlier [in the game], said he was fine, he went back and then reaggravated it on the last play [of the first half]."

Mayfield’s final numbers, 9 completions on 19 throws for 41 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and 19 rushing yards, showed how tough the night was before he left. Mayfield’s status depends on an upcoming MRI. If he's out for the next few weeks, the result could be disastrous.

Mayfield has been incredibly useful for the Bucs. He has 2406 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. More importantly, the Bucs are now 6-5 after an impressive start to the season. Although they're still at the top of NFC South, the Bucs face Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons up next. A single loss could mean they lose a shot at its sixth consecutive divisional crown. How will they cope in case the MVP contender doesn't return? Let's see.

Bridgewater to Fill in For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

During the game, with the Rams already leading 31–7, Tampa Bay turned to Teddy Bridgewater for the second half. He finished the game as the Buccaneers fell 34–7, a score that matched how rough the night had become.

Speaking about his start, Bridgewater explained, "I think it's pretty cool. My lifestyle is more like a rock star, I guess. But it's unfortunate that, you know, it came by way of injury... You never want to see guys injured, especially your leader. But Baker's a tough guy, man. He tried to come back out there and tough it out for the guys. That says a lot about him, says a lot about this team."

If he ends up taking Mayfield's spot, the Bucs could be in a troubling spot, considering Brightwater has 75 touchdowns in 10 seasons. Only time will tell.

Do you think Mayfield will return next week? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Mohd Mudabbir Ansari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar