Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. (Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
The Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off the 2021 regular season with a Thursday night battle. Will they both be at full strength?
It’s time for the return of Thursday Night Football in the NFL. Unfortunately, not everyone will be available to participate for the Cowboys and the Bucs.
Dallas got hit with COVID-19 positives over the weekend. While wide receiver Noah Brown made it off the reserve list on Wednesday, guard Zack Martin is still on it along with offensive lineman Brandon Knight.
Martin hasn’t been officially ruled out just yet, but it seems highly unlikely he’ll be able to clear protocols before kickoff on Thursday.
On the plus side, tackle La’el Collins should be good to go and quarterback Dak Prescott is expected to start the season.
Cowboys injury report vs. Bucs
- DE Tarell Basham (ankle) – Probable
- WR Noah Brown (COVID) – Probable
- T La’el Collins (neck) – Probable
- DE Chauncey Goldston (hamstring) – Probable
- G/T Brandon Knight (COVID) – Doubtful
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence (back) – Probable
- G Zack Martin (COVID) – Doubtful
- LS Jake McQuaide (foot) – Probable
- T Ty Nsekhe (foot) – Probable
- QB Dak Prescott (shoulder) – Probable
- S Donovan Wilson (groin) – Probable
The Buccaneers are down a starting safety in Jordan Whitehead, who will miss the opener with a hamstring injury. Look for Mike Edwards to take his place in the starting lineup.
Offensively, Tampa Bay has less to worry about with Chris Godwin set to participate fully.
Three veterans — tight end Rob Gronkowski, defensive tackle Steve McLendon and linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul — sat out all or parts of practice on Tuesday but that was for rest. They’re all expected to play on Thursday.
Bucs injury report vs. Cowboys
- S Jordan Whitehead (hamstring) – Out
- RB Giovani Bernard (ankle) – Probable
- WR Antonio Brown (knee) – Probable
- WR Chris Godwin (quad) – Probable
Tune in on Thursday to see how both teams deal with their injury issues.