Oct 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a move in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks through the first half at Lumen Area. Obligatory Credit score: Steven Bisig-Imagn Photographs Baker Mayfield is flirting with changing into a full-fledged MVP candidate as he leads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into Sunday’s contest in opposition to the visiting San Francisco 49ers.
In the meantime, San Francisco is simply attempting to maintain its quarterbacks wholesome.
Brock Purdy (toe) is anticipated to sit down out for the fourth time in 5 video games and Mac Jones (knee, indirect) will once more combat via accidents throughout a Week 6 showdown of 4-1 NFC groups.
Mayfield is coming off a dynamic efficiency by which he handed for a season-best 379 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-35 street victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Mayfield hears the reward however hasn’t forgotten being discarded earlier in his profession. The spectacular comeback story is good, however he isn’t getting caught within the chatter.
“On the core, positively the identical, however matured in several methods,” Mayfield stated Wednesday. “I am not frightened about little issues that do not matter. Now for those who put it within the panorama of a aggressive soccer sport — in that ambiance — that’ll by no means change.”
Mayfield ranks fourth within the league with 1,283 passing yards and is tied for third with 10 landing passes. He has been intercepted simply as soon as in 172 makes an attempt.
The Buccaneers’ 4 victories have come by a mixed 9 factors.
In the meantime, San Francisco is 3-0 on the street after posting a 26-23 time beyond regulation win over the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 2. The sport ended with the 49ers stuffing a fourth-down run.
“It was an enormous character win,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan stated. ” … I’ve actually loved these guys since OTAs.”
Jones handed for a season-high 342 yards to go together with two touchdowns. He was battered all through the competition, aggravating a knee damage and hurting an indirect.
“I am actually impressed,” Shanahan stated of Jones. “He is performed his ass off. He obtained banged up within the second half and fought via it … I am unable to say sufficient good issues about Mac.”
Kendrick Bourne had a career-high 142 yards whereas matching his profession better of 10 catches in opposition to the Rams. The efficiency got here with the 49ers lacking key receivers.
Jones and Bourne have a deep familiarity after enjoying collectively for 3 seasons with the New England Patriots.
Tampa Bay stays with out longtime standout receiver Mike Evans (hamstring), however rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka has been an instantaneous pressure.
Egbuka has 25 receptions for 445 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is tied for second within the NFL in scoring receptions and ranks fourth in yardage.
Requested Wednesday why he has clicked so effectively with Egbuka, Mayfield put it within the easiest phrases.
“He is simply fairly rattling good,” Mayfield stated. “That is nearly it.”
Mayfield related with Egbuka on all seven targets in opposition to Seattle. Egbuka completed with 163 yards and a landing.
“I do not enter any seasons of my life with too many expectations in terms of statistics or something actually,” stated Egbuka, the previous Ohio State star who was chosen with the nineteenth general decide of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Evans was one in every of 5 Tampa Bay gamers to overlook Wednesday’s walkthrough. He’ll sit out for the third straight sport.
Additionally lacking the walkthrough have been receiver Chris Godwin (fibula), working again Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) and cornerbacks Zyon McCollum (thumb) and Benjamin Morrison (hamstring).
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles stated McCollum underwent a thumb process and his standing could be decided late within the week.
Purdy was one in every of seven 49ers slated to overlook Wednesday’s apply because of accidents. Additionally sitting out because of damage have been receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib), Ricky Pearsall (knee), Jordan Watkins (calf), defensive ends Robert Beal Jr. (ankle), Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring) and defensive sort out Alfred Collins (knee). Jones was restricted.
San Francisco has gained the previous 4 conferences, together with a 23-20 street victory final November.
–Area Degree Media
