Bucs Gameday

Buccaneers Rule Out Offensive Starter Ahead of Dallas Cowboys Matchup

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without their starting tight end against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

River Wells

Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will officially be without their starting tight end on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton was doubtful heading into the weekend in Week 16 with a knee injury he suffered against the Los Angeles Chargers, but his appearance at practice on Friday made it seem as if he was in play — head coach Todd Bowles also called it a "game-time decision." A decision seems to have been made before then, however, as the Bucs ruled Otton out on Saturday ahead of their game against Dallas.

With Otton unable to go, tight end Payne Durham is the natural replacement for Otton. Durham is a second-year tight end who has so far only caught two passes for 34 yards. The Bucs could also have tight end Devin Culp active, their seventh-round rookie draft pick out of Washington.

Additionally, the Buccaneers have elevated punter Jack Browning from the practice squad. The elevation is the last he can have before he must be signed to the active roster.

READ MORE: Scouting The Opponent: Top Players Bucs Must Watch vs. Cowboys

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River Wells
RIVER WELLS

River Wells is a sports journalist from St. Petersburg, Florida, who has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2023. He graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Florida in 2021. You can follow him on Twitter @riverhwells.

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