The Arizona Cardinals head into Week 13 riding on yet another three-game losing streak. With the season practically on the line this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, it will be Jacoby Brissett making his sixth consecutive start of the season, facing off against…not Baker Mayfield?
That’s right, while not confirmed, it seems as if Baker Mayfield will be inactive for Sunday’s contest with a shoulder injury. The now 30-year-old quarterback suffered it on the final play of the first half during the team’s 34–7 loss on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. The play in question was a Hail Mary attempt that was picked off by Emmanuel Forbes, in which Mayfield appeared in discomfort shortly after.
Teddy Bridgewater came in to relieve Mayfield of his duties for the night, playing the entirety of the second half, completing 8-of-15 for 62 yards.
If Mayfield’s shoulder issue doesn’t improve towards the end of the week, it seems almost certain that he won’t play on Sunday, especially against a team that has struggled as much as the Cardinals have in 2025.
But we all know Mayfield, he is as tough as it gets, and definitely not willing to sit out because of an injury. After all, we saw him play through injury in a shoulder harness during his time in Cleveland during the 2021 season, where the Browns lost 24–22 on Christmas Day.
This decision will most definitely come down to the wire, and it may determine not only the outcome but the playoff hopes of Arizona on Sunday.
If the Cardinals can go against Bridgewater, they present themselves with a much better chance of winning rather than facing Mayfield, that is obvious. But it is looking likely that the decision on him will come closer to game time, which leaves Cardinals fans guessing on who they will face on Sunday.