Super Bowl contenders' hopes hang in the balance as QB goes for shoulder scans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been dealt a major blow after quarterback Baker Mayfield picked up a shoulder injury on Sunday night. 

During their 34-7 defeat by the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield suffered a left shoulder sprain and was unable to feature during the second half of the game.  

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has since revealed that Mayfield will undergo an MRI scan on Monday to assess the severity of the injury. 

Speaking after the game, Bowles also said: 'He hurt it earlier [in the game], said he was fine, he went back and then reaggravated it on the last play [of the first half]'.

Prior to his injury at the SoFi Stadium, Mayfield went 9-of-19 for 41 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. 

Moments after throwing a touchdown for receiver Tez Johnson in the second quarter, Mayfield experienced discomfort in his shoulder and headed for the medical tent. 

He came back out for the Bucs' following possession however, after attempting a long pass downfield, Mayfield fell to the ground and had to be taken off. 

After initially being ruled as doubtful to return following halftime, Mayfield was ruled out of the game in the third quarter and later seen on the sidelines in a sling. 

He was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater, who subsequently went 8-of-15 for 62 yards against the Rams. 

'Very confident in what Teddy can do,' Bowles said. 'With a full week of practice, taking every snap, every play, we think he'll be fine.' 

Mayfield's injury comes as a major blow for the Buccaneers, who are 6-5 for the season. They'll host the Arizona Cardinals (3-8) next Sunday.

The incident comes less than a week after the Bucs quarterback revealed his wife is expecting their second child. 

The couple confirmed this week that Mayfield's wife, Emily, is pregnant. Photos showed the couple doing a 'private' gender reveal for their family.