Baker Mayfield -- who came into this season making noise about the lack of a contract extension -- seems healthy heading into 2026 and has been doing work in training camp. But will he play in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first preseason game on Friday night against the New York Jets? The answer is: No. According to reporters who spoke with head coach Todd Bowles, he said that Mayfield won't play. There's no further reasoning why, but it could be that the Buccaneers are resting starters or playing them with very limited snaps -- there are two more preseason games ahead for the Bucs.
Bucs No. 2 QB Jake Browning appeared to injure his back. Todd Bowles had no update but Browning was expected to start Friday vs Jets. He said Baker Mayfield will not play. — Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 11, 2026 Will Jake Browning play for the Buccaneers at QB instead?
Bucs coach Todd Bowles was asked if Baker Mayfield is getting any snaps in the preseason opener Friday: “Not at all.” Backup Jacob Browning did suffer an injury in practice today. The team has Connor Bazelak and Jalon Daniels behind him. Bowles said Browning would have started… — JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 11, 2026 The expectation was that Browning would have started, but he may not with his injury. That could mean we see a lot of Connor Bazelak on Friday. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why isn't Baker Mayfield playing in preseason game vs. Jets?