Dallas Cowboys Host Tampa Bay Tonight for Third Game in 11 Days

ARLINGTON, TX — The Dallas Cowboys will host the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers tonight, wrapping up a stretch of three games in 11 days that included trips to Rio de Janeiro and Houston.

Dallas (2-2) enters the game after Dak Prescott led a late touchdown drive in a 34-30 victory over Houston last week. The short turnaround gave the Cowboys little time to prepare for Tampa Bay (0-4), but they at least have the benefit of playing at home.

Tampa Bay will start undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels for the second consecutive game with Baker Mayfield sidelined by a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Daniels made his first start last week in a 17-14 loss to Green Bay.

The Buccaneers entered the season as the NFC South favorite but have lost 11 of their past 13 games dating to last season. Their last 10 games have been decided by one possession, the longest such streak in franchise history and the NFL’s longest active streak.

The Dallas defense will face its fifth mobile quarterback in five games. The Cowboys have allowed opposing quarterbacks to make plays with both their arms and legs and enter Thursday tied for second-worst in the NFL with four sacks. They are the only team without an interception this season.

Dallas has won its past two games against Tampa Bay, including a 26-24 victory on Dec. 22, 2024, in Arlington. The Cowboys lead the all-time series 17-6.

Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith is questionable to return after missing time with ligament damage in his left thumb. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will miss his fourth consecutive game with a hamstring injury.

The Buccaneers will be without safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and cornerback Benjamin Morrison because of injuries, as well as linebacker SirVocea Dennis. Mayfield is expected to miss at least one more game.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Prime Video.

Dallas has a chance to move into a tie for first place in the NFC East standings with a win, combined with a loss by the New York Giants to the Washington Commanders.

The Cowboys will get a bit of a break after tonight’s game and won’t play again until a Sunday night game at Green Bay on Oct. 18.