Baker Mayfield's status against the Lions in Week 11 is in question because of an injury that the Buccaneers quarterback suffered to his foot and ankle area in last Sunday's loss to the Bears, multiple sources told NFL Network.
Mayfield has been in and out of a walking boot in recent days as a way of rehabbing and resting the injury during Tampa Bay's bye week, which came at a fortunate time for him.
The injury is not considered a long-term issue, according to sources. Any playing time missed for Mayfield would be minimal, and injured reserve is not a consideration.
Mayfield was slow to get up after a few hits during the fourth quarter in Chicago. Before one sack, Bears defensive lineman Austin Booker briefly grabbed Mayfield by the helmet -- a play that resulted in a facemask penalty but not a fine from the league office.
Two plays later, Grady Jarrett and Jeffery Simmons combined to sack Mayfield and take him down in an awkward manner. Mayfield remained on the ground for a few moments.
But Mayfield never left the game and ran in a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 24-24 with 2:51 remaining. The Bears kicked a field goal on the next drive, so Mayfield and the Bucs' offense didn't return to the field after pulling even.
Mayfield missed three games last month after dislocating his right thumb in a Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 27. Rookie undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels started the games Mayfield missed.
The Bucs (3-6), who enter Sunday only a one-half game out of first place in the NFC South, will monitor Mayfield's progress when they return to practice this week.
No one has ruled Mayfield out of next week's game in Detroit, and several sources have noted his willingness to play through injuries in the past. If it's a question of pain tolerance over functionality, according to sources, Mayfield will do everything he can to take the field against the Lions.