The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday for their Week 6 clash, and the team’s latest injury report has some concerning news. Released a couple of days ago, it included familiar concerns like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Bucky Irvin, but one name in particular stood out and caught everyone by surprise.

The Bucs listed backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on the injury list hours before the 49ers game. Bridgewater is reportedly dealing with a right shoulder complication and was limited in Thursday’s and Friday’s practice. The silver lining, though?

It’s unlikely that Bridgewater’s injury will keep him out of the game, but the quarterback has certainly had his share of health issues over the years. From a Grade 1 finger dislocation in 2023 to a Grade 1 cranial concussion in 2022, he’s faced it all. Fast forward to now, and he’s dealing with a right shoulder issue.

While he’s expected to suit up against the 49ers, the same can’t be said for several other key Buccaneers players. Take a look at the Bucs’ inactive players for the 49ers’ matchup, who will be inactive for the game due to injuries:

• WR Mike Evans
• WR Chris Godwin Jr.
• RB Bucky Irving
• CB Zyon McCollum
• CB Benjamin Morrison
• RB Josh Williams

Ahead of their Week 6 matchup, the Bucs have already been dealing with absences. Godwin has missed three games, and Evans has been sidelined for a couple. This week, however, the team will have to face the 49ers without both. Godwin sustained a fibula injury last Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, while Evans continues to struggle with a hamstring issue.

On top of that, Irvin will miss his third straight game of the season, dealing with foot and shoulder ailments. The Bucs will also face a lack of depth in their secondary, as cornerbacks McCollum and Morrison are both ruled out against San Francisco. McCollum recently underwent a thumb procedure earlier in the week and was expected to miss the game, while Morrison is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Last and hopefully least, Williams, who had been cleared to return after being evaluated for a concussion during Tampa Bay’s Week 5 win over the Seahawks, experienced concussion symptoms after Thursday’s practice and has now been placed back into concussion protocol. Long story short: Baker Mayfield and Co. look to win their fifth game of the season, but it’s the injury bug that won’t stop biting.

Baker Mayfield enters the MVP talks ahead of the 49ers clash

It’s too early to say, but a couple of quarterbacks have already entered the MVP talks. And Baker Mayfield is one of them. While his 4-1 record for this season and a few insane stats back up his contention, the Bucs’ wideout and Mayfield’s college teammate, Sterling Shepard, thinks so as well.

“You know what? I think so,” Shepard told James Palmer of The Athletic when asked if Mayfield is in the MVP conversation. “I think his play speaks for itself. And he’s a guy who’s gonna bring a lot of energy, he’s a guy who’s gonna play every single play like it’s his last play, and that’s what we’ve been seeing over the beginning of the season. I think if he keeps it up, you’re dang right, he’s in that conversation.”

If the first five weeks have shown us anything about Baker Mayfield, it’s that he’s having a sensational season. Through five games, he’s thrown for 1,283 yards with 10 touchdowns at a 65.1% completion rate. Besides, he also added 144 yards on the ground. To put his impact into perspective, four of Tampa Bay’s wins this season have come thanks to game-winning drives orchestrated by Mayfield. As things stand, it’s clear that the Bucs are marred with injuries, sure. But still, they’ve been a better team with Mayfield under the center.