Bridgewater said Monday that he wants to continue playing in the NFL next season, but has yet to discuss with the Buccaneers about a potential return, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bridgewater is set to become a free agent for this upcoming offseason. The 33-year-old appeared in four games for Tampa Bay in 2025, only getting quarterback reps in Week 12 against the Rams when Baker Mayfield exited with a shoulder injury. Bridgewater completed eight out of 15 passes for 62 yards, and rushed three times for four yards in his lone opportunity. Should the tenth-year pro reach free agency, he can potentially be a compelling backup for teams in need.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that Bridgewater will get most of the starting reps at practice in preparation for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, but that Baker Mayfield (AC joint) has not yet been ruled out, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bridgewater replaced Mayfield at halftime during Tampa Bay's 34-7 loss to the Rams in Week 12, at which point the game was already well out of contention. As a result Bridgewater completed just eight of 15 passes for 62 yards versus a dominant Los Angeles defense, but the veteran signal-caller will carry more preparation into Sunday's home game against Arizona if he's called upon to start. Mayfield is dealing with a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and will be re-evaluated closer to the end of the practice week, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Bridgewater completed eight of 15 passes for 62 yards in Sunday's 34-7 loss to the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

Baker Mayfield (shoulder) suffered a left shoulder injury on the play immediately prior to halftime and did not return to the game. Bridgewater replaced him under center and had his most extensive run of playing time this season. Given the nature of the game -- Tampa Bay was in the midst of a blowout loss -- he wasn't asked to do much, though he picked up over half of his yards on a 32-yard completion to Emeka Egbuka on a deep pass early in the fourth quarter. Bridgewater could start in Week 13 against Arizona, as Mayfield is set to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury.

Bridgewater (teeth) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Bridgewater missed the Buccaneers' first two practices this week, he was a full go Friday, indicating that he's ready to play in Sunday's contest. Now fully healthy, the 2014 first-round pick is expected to operate as Tampa Bay's No. 2 quarterback in the Week 8 divisional matchup.

Bridgewater (teeth) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Bridgewater has missed the first two practices of the week, so Friday's injury report will provide clarity on whether he serves as Baker Mayfield's backup against the Saints on Sunday. Connor Bazelak is the lone quarterback on the practice squad, so he would likely be elevated to the active roster for Week 8 if Bridgewater is unable to play.

Bridgewater (teeth) did not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bridgewater was able to serve as the Buccaneers' backup QB for Monday's loss against the Lions after overcoming an illness, but he popped up on Wednesday's report with a new injury. He'll have two more chances to return to practice ahead of Sunday's NFC South tilt against the Saints.

Bridgewater (illness) is active for Monday night's game against the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Bridgewater was under the weather this past week but is good to go as Bake Mayfield's backup for Bridgewater's return to Detroit.

Bridgewater is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Lions due to an illness, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The illness is a new issue for the veteran quarterback, and it prevented him from participating in Saturday's practice. He'll have some time to recover, but the Buccaneers could elevate Connor Bazelak from the practice squad ahead of Monday's game against Detroit. Bridgewater has not played a single snap during the regular season while operating as Baker Mayfield's backup.

Bridgewater is line to serve as Baker Mayfield's top backup ahead of Week 1, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Fowler, the Buccaneers plan to move on from Kyle Trask, who is dealing with a shoulder issue and is slated to be let go with an injury designation. Fowler notes that in such a scenario, Trask would then revert to IR and subsequently look to reach an injury settlement with the team, which would allow him to sign elsewhere once healthy. Bridgewater last saw regular-season action in 2023 with the Lions.

Bridgewater won't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills due to an illness, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

With No. 1 QB Baker Mayfield set to sit out in Tampa Bay's exhibition finale, Kyle Trask was expected to start, while Bridgewater was in line to enter the contest after him. Now that Bridgewater isn't available Saturday, Connor Bazelak will be tasked with handling any reps under center that don't go to Trask. Bridgewater put some decent tape together last Saturday versus the Steelers, completing six of 11 passes for 85 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions after signing with the team on Aug. 5.