Cowboys–Bucs tonight: Smith returns, Porter illness changes Dallas defense

Dallas will face Tampa Bay on Thursday night with Tyler Smith back on its offensive line and Joey Porter Jr. missing from its secondary. Smith was activated from injured reserve Thursday afternoon; the Cowboys later ruled Porter out because of an illness, changing their defensive plans shortly before kickoff.

The Week 5 game at AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern on Prime Video. Dallas enters 2-2 after its 34-30 comeback win over Houston, while the Buccaneers are 0-4 and will give rookie Jalon Daniels his first NFL road start with Baker Mayfield still sidelined.

Porter’s absence adds to an already depleted Dallas cornerback group. Cobie Durant is also inactive with a hamstring injury. The Cowboys elevated defensive backs Reddy Steward and Juanyeh Thomas from the practice squad Thursday, repeating the moves they made before the Texans game. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and offensive lineman Drew Shelton are also out with hamstring injuries.

ESPN reporter Todd Archer reported the late change in Porter’s availability Thursday evening.

Smith’s return ends a four-game absence following surgery on his thumb. Dallas opened his practice window Monday, and he completed the short week with full participation Wednesday. His presence gives Dak Prescott a familiar pass protector and restores an All-Pro blocker in front of Javonte Williams. Dallas waived running back Emari Demercado to clear the roster spot.

Tampa Bay’s immediate assignment is to keep Daniels from having to chase the Cowboys’ scoring pace. The rookie threw for 148 yards and a touchdown, ran for 55 yards and was intercepted twice in last Sunday’s 17-14 loss to Green Bay. Protection problems ended the Buccaneers’ final attempt to take the lead.

The matchup gives Tampa Bay a reason to keep working through its backfield. The NFL’s preview identified Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker as options against a Dallas defense that has allowed the league’s second-most rushing yards. Sustained drives would also reduce the opportunities for Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who caught 17 passes for 189 yards against Houston.

The Buccaneers have their own defensive absences: safety Antoine Winfield Jr., cornerback Benjamin Morrison and linebacker SirVocea Dennis were ruled out along with Mayfield. Tampa Bay elevated quarterback Easton Stick and safety J.J. Roberts Thursday afternoon. Stick supplies support behind Daniels, while Roberts adds depth to a safety group preparing to play without Winfield.