Buccaneers to be without key offensive starter against Cowboys

The wounded Dallas Cowboys defense caught a slight break with news that a key Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive contributor will miss the primetime game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons. / Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys welcome Baker Mayfield and the high-powered Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense to AT&T Stadium in Week 16 with a primetime showdown on Sunday Night Football to wrap up a busy NFL Sunday.

While the Cowboys defense is dealing with several impactful injuries, the Buccaneers offense will also be shorthanded.

On Saturday, the Buccaneers downgraded starting tight end Cade Otton from questionable to out with his nagging knee injury.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter shared the news.

Bucs downgraded TE Cade Otton to out for Sunday night’s game in Dallas due to his knee injury.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2024

This season, Otton is having the best year of his career with 59 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns. Payne Durham is listed behind Otton on the team's depth chart at tight end, while wide receiver Jalen McMillan should see increased targets.

We'll find out on Sunday night whether the Cowboys defense will be able to contain Baker and company regardless of who is on the field.

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