Bain returns for Tampa Bay, but four players are ruled out in Dallas

Rueben Bain Jr. is ready to return for Tampa Bay’s Thursday night visit to Dallas, while Todd Bowles has ruled out four other Buccaneers. The rookie edge rusher’s availability gives the team a pass-rush option after two missed games, but several positions will still require replacements.

Bowles named quarterback Baker Mayfield, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., cornerback Benjamin Morrison and linebacker SirVocea Dennis as unavailable following Wednesday’s practice. The team’s October 7 update confirmed Bain had been a full participant this week after shoulder and groin injuries kept him out of the previous two games.

Bowles also said kicker Chase McLaughlin would be fine after a new issue appeared during the week. McLaughlin had been listed as a non-participant Tuesday with a right groin/hip issue. The Wednesday comments replace that uncertainty with the coach’s current expectation that he can kick.

Bain, selected 15th overall in April, is still looking for his first NFL sack. Bowles said the hope was for him to shake off the rust and regain the form he showed in spring work and training camp. Availability establishes that he can return; the coach did not specify a snap limit or promise a particular role on Thursday.

Mayfield’s absence leaves Jalon Daniels preparing for his second straight start. The undrafted rookie threw for 148 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions, and rushed for another 55 yards in Sunday’s 17–14 loss to Green Bay. Thursday is his first road start, against a Cowboys team that enters at 2–2.

Winfield’s absence also changes Tampa Bay’s defensive personnel. Bowles said Monday that the safety had a rib fracture and could miss two to four weeks. The team had not announced an injured-reserve move in that update, so the estimated recovery period should not be treated as a confirmed roster transaction.

The Buccaneers are 0–4 and visit AT&T Stadium on October 8 at 8:15 p.m. Eastern, on Prime Video. Bain’s return is one piece of that preparation; the four ruled-out players remain material absences.