Despite a Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have the ball in their court when it comes to clinching a spot in the playoffs. With a win over the 2-14 Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay can seal the deal and become NFC South Champions for the third straight year.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has exceeded expectations in 2023 and put the Buccaneers in a position to win. Mayfield threw for 1,010 yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception during an impressive four-game winning streak that brought the Buccaneers back into the playoff conversation.

His efforts against the Green Bay Packers earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week and could have been enough to solidify his role as the Buccaneers’ starting QB for the 2024 season.

Unfortunately for Mayfield, he might not be able to add a playoff berth to his resume this season. Against the Saints, the quarterback took a hard shot to the ribs on a two-point conversion attempt. After tossing the ball to Chris Godwin, Mayfield was taken down by Tyrann Mathieu, who was later called for roughing the passer.

The former first overall draft pick addressed his injury with reporters after not participating in Wednesday’s practice. “[I’m] pretty sore, but it’ll be good. It’s just one of those things that, you know, it’s tender. I’ve dealt with rib injuries before, but rest and just as the week goes on it always helps,” Mayfield said.

Injuries have never stopped the quarterback in the past. He played his final games in Cleveland with a torn labrum and in extreme pain. This time, his mentality is no different. “I’ll do everything I can to be out there, that’s for sure. Division on the line, playoff hopes on the line, going back to Carolina. Yeah, I’ll do everything I can,” Mayfield told reporters.

In case of emergency, backup quarterback Kyle Trask has been preparing to start against the Panthers. Trask and Mayfield competed for the starting position during preseason, before Mayfield ultimately won the job.

Trask was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Buccaneers and sat behind Tom Brady during his inaugural season. Sunday would become the first significant game action for the second-year quarterback.