Todd Bowles was working hard on his 53-man roster when Baker Mayfield was suddenly sidelined. A surprise injury forced him to miss several key training camp sessions. It was a contusion on his throwing hand. Worrying right? Bowles assured fans that’s not the case. “He’s got a sore hand,” Bowles informed reporters. “We gave him the day off. He’s day-to-day. We’re not worried about him.” And that seemed to be true as on August 5, Mayfield returned to the field with no signs of rust. It looked less like recovery and more like hitting pause and then resuming mid-stride. Still, Bowles knows better than to lean on certainty.
Todd Bowles is no longer waiting anxiously. According to a recent post on X from NFL.com, “Buccaneers signing QB Teddy Bridgewater to one-year deal. (via @RapSheet).” Even though veteran Bridgewater brings experience and depth, it would be premature to assume he is arriving to unseat Baker Mayfield from the starting job. His role appears to be more about insurance.
Buccaneers signing QB Teddy Bridgewater to one-year deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/kHbikor7zY
— NFL (@NFL) August 5, 2025
Mayfield returned to practice on Tuesday (August 5th) after missing sessions on Friday and Saturday. He wasted no time making an impact. He connected with Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans for a red zone touchdown, doing so with All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. in tight coverage. Todd Bowles praised the performance. “He was sharp. He was throwing the football. It’s like camp days had never ended,” Bowles said. “He was very good on his reads, as far as understanding where the blitzes were coming from and knowing where to go with the football. I was happy about that.”
The timing of Mayfield’s return and the news of Bridgewater’s signing naturally raised curious eyebrows around the league. His hand appears to be fully recovered, and his rhythm has not skipped a beat as the Tampa Bay moves full steam ahead.
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