The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled out starting quarterback Baker Mayfield (right thumb) and three-time Pro-Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (rib) for their Thursday Night game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Buccaneers officially ruled out Antoine Winfield Jr. and Baker Mayfield for Thursday night’s game in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/ndrvVVnBN2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2026
It was not a surprise that neither player could go after not practicing all week. Mayfield also missed last week’s loss against the Green Bay Packers. Winfield has played in 97 percent of the defensive snaps for the Buccaneers this season but suffered a rib fracture against the Packers that is expected to keep him out for the next two to four weeks. It is unclear when Mayfield will return.
They also ruled out
linebacker SirVocea Dennis (ankle/foot) and cornerback Benjamin Morrison (quad). Neither player practiced all week. Dennis is primarily a special team's player, while Morrison has gotten decent reps on defense this season, though he missed their Week 4 game against Green Bay.
While they are not far out of the division race, given that the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons are currently on top with a 2-2 record, the Buccaneers are still searching for their first win, and it does not seem likely that is going to happen against the Cowboys, who are coming off a 34-30 win against the Houston Texans.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will be starting undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels once again. Daniels went 19 of 27 for 148 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in his first NFL start. He was also sacked three times. Daniels once again. Daniels went 19 of 27 for 148 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in his first NFL start. He was also sacked three times.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield out for Bucs on TNF vs Cowboys
