The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-16 in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. The loss moved the Cowboys to a 2-3 record, while the Buccaneers earned their first victory of the season to move to 1-4.
The game marked the end of a 12-day period for Dallas that included three games and international travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Cowboys previously lost to the Baltimore Ravens in South America before defeating the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 4.
Tampa Bay played with undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, who filled in for the injured Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers took the lead in the second half following a 72-yard run by Bucky Irving and a 14-yard touchdown run by Emeka Egbuka. Dallas attempted a late comeback with a drive ending in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to George Pickens, but a failed two-point conversion and a late interception by Prescott at the Tampa Bay 12-yard line ended the effort.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed disappointment following the game, stating the team did not expect to be 2-3 or to lose to a Tampa Bay team that entered the game 0-4. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw two interceptions during the game, said the team needs to use their upcoming nine-day break to make necessary adjustments and improve execution.
The outcome also highlights personnel challenges for the Cowboys. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who recorded a career-high 17 catches the previous week, was limited to two catches for 9 yards before leaving Thursday's game with a quadriceps injury. The severity of the injury and its impact on his availability for the upcoming Oct. 18 game against Green Bay was not immediately reported.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the win ends a four-game losing streak to start the season. The victory was secured despite the absence of starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, relying instead on a rookie quarterback and a rushing attack led by Bucky Irving. The Cowboys defense, which recorded sacks by linebackers Shemar James and Von Miller, was unable to stop the Buccaneers' second-half scoring drives. Dallas will next play in Green Bay on Oct. 18.