The Bucs step into Week 5 officially wearing an 0-4 title. Unfortunately, there is no time to mope as the team has a shortened week with only a few days remaining until they take on the Dallas Cowboys for Thursday Night Football.

Late in the fourth quarter of the Bucs last game, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. went down with a rib injury. Winfield did not return to the game and did not participate at Monday’s practice. The veteran safety is a key piece of the Bucs defense with 15 solo tackles this season. Losing him on a week where Tampa Bay will be facing deep threats like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, is a disaster.

Bucs S Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

In better news, outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. has returned to practice and fully participated on Monday. The rookie has missed the last two games and is still looking to record his first NFL sack. The Cowboys offensive line will certainly present challenges for Bain if he is to return for Thursday’s game.

Baker Mayfield is still healing from a thumb dislocation but will not require surgery. Unfortunately, his return date is still unknown because it is fully dependent on Mayfield being able to grip the ball. This means Jalon Daniels will once again be stepping up to start for the Bucs offense. Daniels led the Bucs to put up 14 points against Green Bay, with a rushing touchdown from Sean Tucker and a receiving touchdown caught by Kenny Gainwell.

Bucs QB Jalon Daniels – Photo by: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Having his first NFL start on Sunday, Daniels has less than four days until he starts for Tampa Bay once again. Will he have the pieces he needs to be competitive against the Cowboys, or are the Bucs too banged-up?

Bucs Monday Injury Report

Rueben Bain Jr. – Groin/Shoulder – Full

SirVocea Dennis – Ankle/Foot – DNP

Ko Kieft – Elbow – Limited

Baker Mayfield – Right Thumb – DNP

Benjamin Morrison – Quad – DNP

Bucs CB Benjamin Morrison and Browns WR Denzel Boston – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Josiah Trotter – Knee – Limited

Antoine Winfield Jr. – Rib – DNP

Cowboys Monday Injury Report

Alijah Clark – Ankle – Full

Cobie Durant – Hamstring – DNP

Tyler Goodson – Ankle – Full

Malik Hooker – Forearm – Full

James Houston – Shoulder – Full

CeeDee Lamb – Thigh – Full

DeMarvion Overshown – Hamstring – DNP

Joey Porter Jr. – Ankle – Full

Drew Shelton – Hamstring – DNP

Tyler Smith – Thumb – Limited