Baker Mayfield has avoided immediate punishment from the NFL following his use of ZYN, a smoke-free nicotine pouch, during Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

According to an ESPN report, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback was caught on camera using the product just before the third quarter started.

While no fines have been issued, Mayfield will receive an official reminder from the league, warning him that any future violations could result in penalties.

The NFL’s policy prohibits the use of tobacco-related products on the field or sidelines, and Mayfield‘s actions have drawn attention.

ESPN’s broadcast showed the quarterback appearing to open a Zyn container and put a pouch into his mouth as he sat on the bench. The Buccaneers were trailing by a touchdown at halftime, and the situation only worsened in the second half.

Second-Half Struggles Intensify for Tampa Bay

Already dealing with the absence of wide receiver Mike Evans due to a hamstring injury, the Buccaneers struggled after halftime.

Tampa Bay was outscored 17-0 in the third quarter, and any hope of a comeback was dashed as the game slipped away, ending in a 41-31 defeat.

To add to their misfortunes, star receiver Chris Godwin dislocated his left ankle in the final minutes of the game, being carted off the field in what could be a season-ending injury.

In a short span, the Buccaneers‘ once-promising season seemed to take a sharp turn. After entering the game with a 4-2 record and one of the league’s top offenses, Tampa Bay is now grappling with significant injuries to key players.

Evans’ absence may extend until Week 12, and the team will need to find solutions quickly to stay competitive.

Mayfield acknowledged the difficult road ahead without his top targets.

“As we’re getting this game plan going, looking at obviously not having Mike and Chris, teams can’t exactly play to those tendencies when we’re game-planning with those guys,” Mayfield said, according to NFL.com.

“It’ll look different, but everybody just has to do their part. Everybody has to be dialed in, and it’s next man up.”

Mayfield’s Performance Key to Buccaneers’ Future

Despite the recent setbacks, Mayfield has been one of the bright spots for Tampa Bay this season.

In 2023, he revived his career with 28 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, helping lead the Buccaneers to a playoff win over the Eagles. This season, Mayfield is the NFL leader in touchdown passes, with 18 through seven games.

As the Buccaneers prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons, they are hoping to take control of the NFC South.

However, the next few weeks are daunting, as Tampa Bay will face both the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers-the two teams that played in last year’s Super Bowl-before their bye week.

Mayfield‘s leadership and performance will be crucial if the Buccaneers are to navigate these challenges and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Despite the mounting challenges, his ability to adapt and rally his team will be key as Tampa Bay looks to overcome these setbacks and stay in contention.