Turn away, must-win crowd, because the Dallas Cowboys face a can't-lose matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football. The must-win crowd simply hates to see the can't-lose apologists coming.
This is a game that, if the Cowboys are on their P's and Q's, could be put to bed by the third quarter. It's not often in today's NFL that a team is favored by more than a touchdown, but Dallas enters Thursday night as an 8.5-point favorite.
Games like this are where division favorites separate themselves. The Buccaneers are 0-4, without their starting quarterback and playing on a short week. Dallas can't afford to turn what should be a comfortable win into a four-quarter sweat.
But how can you take in what will hopefully be a comfortable Cowboys victory? Let's get into it.
Cowboys vs. Buccaneers Game Details
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
- Time: 7:15 p.m. CT
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color analyst), Kaylee Hurtung (sideline reporter)
How to watch Cowboys vs. Buccaneers
Amazon Prime Video is the home of Thursday Night Football. It is included with your Prime membership. If you are not subscribed, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to watch the game, along with hit TV series and movies. This link will take you to the game, while this link will take you to a sign-up page.
How to listen to Cowboys vs. Buccaneers
NOTE: This option is limited to local listeners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
You can listen to the game in English on KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan. Brad Sham will be on play-by-play, with Babe Laufenberg as the color analyst and Kristi Scales as the sideline reporter. You can also catch the game in Spanish on KVMK-FM 107.5 La Grande. Victor Villalba (play-by-play), Luis Perez (analyst), and Carlos Nava (sideline) will have the call.
Cowboys' final injury report
NOTE: Players with a "-" game status have been removed from the injury report and will play in the game.
Name | Injury | Wednesday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Cobie Durant | Hamstring | DNP | Out |
DeMarvion Overshown | Hamstring | DNP | Out |
Drew Shelton | Hamstring | DNP | Out |
Tyler Smith | Thumb | Full | Questionable |
Jonathan Mingo | Illness | DNP | Questionable |
Malik Hooker | Forearm | Full | - |
Alijah Clark | Ankle | Full | - |
Tyler Goodson | Ankle | Full | - |
James Houston | Shoulder | Full | - |
CeeDee Lamb | Thigh | Full | - |
Joey Porter Jr. | Ankle | Full | - |
The Cowboys are playing their third game in 12 games, so naturally the injury report is longer than it has been. Don't be too concerned about CeeDee Lamb and Joey Porter Jr. popping up. They were full participants all week. In fact, everyone who got in a full session on Wednesday was a full participant all week.
This team is only four days removed from a dogfight against a physical Texans team. It's nowhere near enough recovery time, but every team deals with the Thursday night nonsense at some point.
The most notable development, though, is Tyler Smith, who was upgraded to a full participant after being limited on Monday and Tuesday. Smith, who's on IR after undergoing thumb surgery before the season, had his 21-day practice window opened.
The Cowboys have until 3 p.m. CT on Thursday to activate him off IR. The roster is currently at 53 players, so they'd have to create a spot. Don't be surprised if Drew Shelton moves to injured reserve.
The decision is entirely up to Smith. He'll play if he feels ready. And if he doesn't, you can book it that he'll be out there against the Green Bay Packers next Sunday night.
Buccaneers final injury report
NOTE: Players with a "-" game status have been removed from the injury report and will play in the game.
Player | Injury | Wednesday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Baker Mayfield | Right Thumb | DNP | Out |
Antoine Winfield | Rib | DNP | Out |
Benjamin Morrison | Quad | DNP | Out |
SirVocea Dennis | Ankle/Foot | DNP | Out |
Rueben Bain Jr. | Groin/Shoulder | Full | - |
Kol Kieft | Elbow | Full | - |
Chase McLaughlin | Right groin/Hip | Full | - |
Josiah Trotter | Knee | Full | - |
Anthony Nelson | Illness | Limited | - |
Baker Mayfield is obviously the big one. The Bucs will turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who made his first start (in a losing effort) last week. He eclipsed 400 rushing yards in each of his final two years at Kansas, so Dallas must account for his ability to extend plays and take off running.
Winfield and Morrison are two big losses for Tampa Bay, especially the former. He's the secondary's leader, tone-setter, and last line of defense.
The Bucs are once again a top-five rushing defense, but Dak Prescott and the passing game should be able to move the ball against this secondary.
Add us as a preferred source on Google