The Tampa Buccaneers are already in playoff mode, and the mindset is playing into the decision to start quarterback Baker Mayfield on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals despite a left shoulder sprain.

Mayfield injured his non-throwing shoulder in the second quarter of Sunday night’s 34-7 blowout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. He did not play in the second half as backup Teddy Bridgewater led the offense.

An MRI on Monday revealed a low-grade AC joint sprain, according to multiple reports.

“Every game in my eyes, is a must-win playoff scenario, but understanding that, you know, if I sit one game out, that (potentially) provides me to be healthier for down the stretch,” Mayfield told reporters Wednesday. “And that’s, that’s how I’m gonna look at it.”

Mayfield guided Tampa Bay to a 6-2 record to open the season, but the team is now on a three-game losing streak. The slide has left the Buccaneers (6-5) just a half game up on the Carolina Panthers (6-6) for first place in the NFC South.

“Our sights are still set on the playoffs, but to get there, we have to win these games, especially the NFC matchups,” Mayfield said. “And it’s kind of a double-edged sword, but we’ll see how it goes.”

The game against the Cardinals starts a three-game home stretch for the Bucs that also includes visits from the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. After that, Tampa Bay faces the Panthers twice over the final three weeks of the season.

Mayfield, 30, has completed 62.7% of his passes this season for 2,406 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, although two of those picks came in the first half against the Rams.

In eight NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Panthers, Rams and Buccaneers, Mayfield has completed 63.5% of his passes for 27,238 yards, 189 touchdowns and 95 interceptions since he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018 out of Oklahoma.

–Field Level Media