Buccaneers vs Cowboys Injury Report: Chase McLaughlin Added, Baker Mayfield Still Sidelined

As the NFL season charges into October, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a pivotal Thursday Night Football clash at AT&T Stadium. But as of October 7, 2026, the storyline isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about who will actually suit up. The Buccaneers released their Tuesday injury report ahead of the Week 5 showdown, and a new name has surfaced: kicker Chase McLaughlin did not participate in Tuesday’s walk-through due to a right groin/hip injury. With a short week leaving little time for recovery, McLaughlin’s status will be closely monitored when the team releases its final injury report on Wednesday. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this late addition could force Tampa Bay to scramble for a contingency plan at kicker—a position that often flies under the radar until it decides games.

Mayfield’s Thumb Remains a Concern

While McLaughlin’s injury is fresh, the bigger cloud hanging over the Buccaneers is the continued absence of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who remained a non-participant with an injured right thumb. Mayfield, the fiery signal-caller who has been the heartbeat of Tampa Bay’s offense, has yet to practice this week, casting serious doubt on his availability for Thursday night. If he can’t go, the Buccaneers will turn to their backup—a scenario that could drastically alter the game plan against a Cowboys defense eager to capitalize. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Mayfield’s thumb issue is not considered season-ending, but the team is taking a cautious approach given the quick turnaround.

Defensive Woes Mount for Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers’ defense is also feeling the pinch. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. remained out of practice and is already expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a slight rib fracture suffered against the Green Bay Packers. His absence leaves a void in the secondary that Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott could exploit. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison (quad) and linebacker SirVocea Dennis (ankle/foot) also stayed sidelined, further depleting a unit that will need all hands on deck to contain CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys’ passing attack. There was a sliver of good news, though: linebacker Josiah Trotter upgraded from limited to full participation despite a knee injury, and outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. was a full participant with groin/shoulder issues. Anthony Nelson was added to the report with an illness and was limited.

Cowboys’ Report: Stability Amidst Injuries

For Dallas, the injury report brought no major changes among non-participants. Cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring), linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring), and tackle Drew Shelton (hamstring) all remained out, while guard Tyler Smith was limited for the second consecutive day with a thumb injury. The Cowboys did see several players fully participate, including safety Malik Hooker (forearm), wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (thigh), and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (ankle), suggesting they’ll be closer to full strength. As highlighted on Vulius, Dallas’s relative health could be a decisive factor in a short-week game where depth is tested.

Final Report Looms

Both teams will release their final injury reports on Wednesday, and all eyes will be on the statuses of Mayfield and McLaughlin. For the Buccaneers, the potential loss of their starting quarterback and kicker would be a brutal blow. For the Cowboys, the focus remains on getting their banged-up linemen and defenders ready. The Thursday night lights at AT&T Stadium will reveal which team can better weather the storm. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates and in-depth analysis as this NFC matchup unfolds.