The NFL will not penalize Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield over ZYN

According to ESPN, Baker Mayfield will not be penalized by the NFL for using Zyn, a smokeless nicotine pouch, on the Buccaneers' sideline before the start of the third quarter on Monday.

The outlet added that the quarterback would receive a letter “reminding him that he should not consume the product on the sidelines,” with a reminder that he is in light of the league's policy against the use of tobacco products could be fined for a second offense on the pitch.

On the ESPN broadcast, Mayfield was seen on the bench seemingly opening a Zyn container and putting one in his mouth just before the start of the second half during Monday's 41-31 loss to the Ravens.

The Buccaneers trailed by a touchdown at halftime and were already without top wideout Mike Evans due to a hamstring injury, but the second half quickly took another disastrous turn for Mayfield and Tampa Bay.

They were outscored 17-0 in the third quarter, making the game a blowout, but as the Buccaneers tried to mount a comeback in the final frame, Chris Godwin – their No. 2 receiver – was injured in the final two minutes left ankle and was carted off the field due to a potentially season-ending injury.

Over the span of 45 minutes of play, Tampa Bay went from a 4-2 record and one of the league's best offenses to a battle for wide receiver – something that will continue until Evans returns from his injury, according to reports However, that might not happen until Week 12 after the Buccaneers' bye.

“As we put that game plan into action, given that Mike and Chris are obviously not there, teams can't accommodate those tendencies as we plan the game with those guys,” Mayfield told reporters this week, according to the NFL . com. “It will look different, but everyone just has to do their part. Everyone has to dial in and it’s the next man up.”

Mayfield revived his career last season alongside Evans and Godwin, throwing 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

He made the Pro Bowl and helped the Buccaneers upset the Eagles in the wild-card round of the postseason.

Through seven games in 2024, Mayfield leads the NFL with 18 touchdowns.

The Buccaneers host the Falcons on Sunday with a chance to clinch first place in the NFC South before facing the Chiefs and the 49ers – the two teams that met in last year's Super Bowl – in the next two weeks have a guest.