NFL Week 5 starts on Thursday Night Football with the Dallas Cowboys hosting the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both NFC teams had big playoff expectations coming into the 2026 season, but the two franchises are in very different places after the first four weeks.
The Cowboys enter TNF with a 2-2 record after beating the Houston Texans in a Week 4 shootout. Meanwhile, the Bucs are 0-4 and are currently battling a serious injury at quarterback with Baker Mayfield out.
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys feature a powerful offense that’s averaging over 30 points per game this season. Only the Buffalo Bills are scoring more on a weekly basis, which makes sense considering Dallas has weapons like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for Prescott to rely on.
Dallas could be even more dangerous on the offensive side of the football Thursday night. Star offensive tackle Tyler Smith has been activated off of IR, adding more protection for Prescott and running back Javonte Williams.
MORE: How to watch TNF for free: Cowboys vs Buccaneers, live stream, TV channel
Tampa Bay could be in for a major shift in the near future if their struggles continue. Head coach Todd Bowles is firmly on the hot seat as the Bucs desperately seek a victory.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes the ball against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Which players are out for Thursday Night Football? Will either team be missing key players for the NFC matchup?
Here’s the entire list of inactive players for both teams.
MORE: Bold predictions for Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 5
Buccaneers at Cowboys inactives
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Buccaneers inactives
|
Player |
Position |
|
Baker Mayfield |
QB |
|
Luke Haggard |
G |
|
Billy Schrauth |
G |
|
DeMonte Capehart |
DL |
|
SirVocea Dennis |
LB |
|
Benjamin Morrison |
CB |
|
Antoine Winfield Jr. |
S |
Cowboys inactives
|
Player |
Position |
|
Camden Brown |
WR |
|
Ajani Cornelius |
G |
|
Drew Shelton |
T |
|
James Houston |
LB |
|
DeMarvion Overshown |
LB |
|
Cobie Durant |
CB |
|
Joey Porter Jr. |
CB |
Everything you need to watch Thursday’s Bucs-Cowboys showdown can be found below.
MORE: Best Week 5 Buccaneers-Cowboys anytime TD scorer bets for TNF
Buccaneers at Cowboys TV & Viewing Info
When: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 8:15 PM ET
TV Channel: Prime Video
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Betting Odds: Cowboys -8.5, O/U: 48.5 (via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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