Following good outings against Atlanta and Houston, Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield was at his best against the New York Jets. And then there was the command he showed over his offense. Truly playing as their leader, he reprimanded the rookie WR Emeka Egbuka for the “disrespect” he showed by not using both his hands to catch one of his passes. You could tell that the signal caller was serious. And now, the NFL has given him enough reason to talk to two more of his teammates.

In the first quarter, at the 11:42 mark, the Jets were on 3rd and 5, when Tyrod Taylor passed the ball to Garrett Wilson. But safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ran toward the signal caller and took him down to the ground. While the referee did not give any penalty or punishment during the game, the league caught the action during its surveillance. And they fined him $17,389 for a blow to the head/neck under the violation category ‘A hit on a Quarterback.’

In the next quarter, at the 5:50 mark, Deion Jones quite literally ripped off Marcelino McCrary-Ball‘s helmet as Austin McNamara launched a punt on 4th and 4. While the on-field referees didn’t flag it, the league slapped him with a fine of $6,972 for ‘Unnecessary Roughness.’

There’s a trend that might lead Baker Mayfield to have a locker room discussion. No Bucs player was fined in Week 1. In the 2nd game, however, OT Charlie Heck was fined $8,722 for leg whip under ‘Unnecessary Roughness.’ The number increased to two violations in 3rd game.

Of course, it’s not alarming by any means. But disciplinary issues should be nipped in the bud. After all, it’s not like the Bucs have not had things threatening to rain on their parade.

Baker Mayfield & co. deal with injuries

The Week 4 matchup against the Eagles at Raymond James Stadium will be a huge test for the Bucs, as the Eagles are also sitting on 3-0. Meanwhile, HC Todd Bowles is dealing with an injury-ridden lineup. Let’s start with the QB.

Baker Mayfield is nursing a right bicep injury, and had limited practice throughout the week, doing very little throwing. But the coach said that the signal caller would be ready for the coming game.

LT Tristan Wirfs also had a full practice after coming back from arthroscopic right knee surgery in July. Having the 4x Pro Bowler back will be a huge boost for the Bucs now that they are also missing Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch. Then there’s receiver Chris Godwin Jr., who led the league with 50 receptions till he suffered an ankle dislocation among other injuries in Week 7 last year, and underwent two surgical procedures.

He also practiced on Friday. Baker Mayfield would be a relieved man if both players play against the SB LIX winners. While discussing his struggle, the receiver said, “(I have) done a lot of conditioning. It sucks, but it feels good to be in a good spot physically.”

His return also becomes critical as the Bucs are already missing WR Mike Evans (hamstring) and Jalen McMillan (sprained neck, IR).

The Bucs also suffered a blow on Thursday when their potential starter, DT Jayson Jones, tore his biceps, forcing Bowles to look for options. He will undergo surgery and has been ruled out of the season.

So yes, while things may be looking up a little on the injury front, the Bucs are not out of the woods yet. The last thing they need now is a suspension.