The Dallas Cowboys are back in action quickly this week as they are getting set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football. Below you will find our story stream for the game where all relevant articles will cycle through.
Dallas is coming off of a huge win on the road against the Houston Texans, and it was sorely needed as they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens the week before down in Brazil. The unique weeks of travel mean that the Cowboys are going to play a game at AT&T Stadium for the first time in three weeks, and it will be three more until they do so again. This week marks the only Cowboys game the building will host in the month of October.
Early odds suggest the Cowboys should handle the Buccaneers as Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss the game due to injury. Jalon Daniels, an undrafted free agent rookie quarterback, made his first career start on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, he was the first rookie quarterback to start a game this season, and he will make his first road start in this game.
Dak Prescott is obviously no rookie and neither are CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Quinnen Williams, or Joey Porter Jr., but all of them will be essential if the Cowboys want to put together their first winning streak of 2026.
Don’t blink. This week is going to go by fast.
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Cowboys guard Tyler Smith has real chance to play Thursday night
The Dallas Cowboys could be getting a very important player back this week. Dallas just won on the road against the Houston Texans and will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. No rest for the weary.
Someone who has had some rest seems to stand a chance to play, though. Stephen Jones hinted on Monday during his appearance on 105.3 The Fan that Tyler Smith may suit up and be in action.
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Cowboys vs. Buccaneers odds: Opening lines for Week 5 matchup
Last week the Dallas Cowboys gave a game away at the end, but this week they stole one back at the end. Making that karma even has led to an even 2-2 record as they hit a short week. Dallas faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football this week.
The Bucs are having their struggles so far in 2026. Tampa Bay is 0-4 on the season and they have lost QB Baker Mayfield for at least a few weeks if not more. Just like the Houston Texans this week, Dallas will play another winless team desperate for anything positive.
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Dallas Cowboys 2026 Opponent Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The countdown to the start of the 2026 Dallas Cowboys season is in the home stretch, and we have just one NFC opponent left to preview in this ongoing series that will lead right up to that first Sunday Night Football test at the New York Giants. That team would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who like the Cowboys were on the outside of the playoff picture looking in last season.
Last season was the first time the Bucs did not make the playoffs under Todd Bowles, and the first time in five straight seasons. Continuity on offense, including Baker Mayfield, with young receivers expected to take a leap and a retooled defense will give Tampa Bay hope of reclaiming this division yet again, though it’s a division where all three other teams should and will feel confident about their own chances as well.
