The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rolling, with four consecutive wins entering their Week 16 prime-time matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
However, they could be without one of their key offensive weapons.
Per head coach Todd Bowles, tight end Cade Otton is likely to be a game-time decision on Sunday night. The third-year player has enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, with his 600 receiving yards having already eclipsed his previous high and his four touchdowns tying it.
Otton is dealing with a left knee injury that he sustained at some point last Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, despite never leaving the game. If he's unable to suit up, that could be an opportunity for backups Payne Durham and Ko Kieft.
Otton's performance this season peaked between Weeks 7 and 9, when he recorded three consecutive outings of at least eight receptions and 75 receiving yards while star WR Mike Evans was out of the lineup. He has still been productive since, catching multiple passes in all but one contest since Week 3.
Outside of a four-game losing skid just prior to their Week 11 bye, Tampa has responded well to adversity this season. The Buccaneers' current hot streak comes despite being without Chris Godwin for likely the rest of the year, after Godwin suffered a brutal ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.
Now they might have to stay hot without Otton, their second-leading pass catcher. Despite facing a sub-.500 Cowboys team, Baker Mayfield and company could have their work cut out for them.
