Chairshot NFL News Report (10/9/2026): Buccaneers Stun Cowboys, Payton Takes Over & Pittman Sidelined

Tampa Bay stuns Dallas on Thursday Night Football, Sean Payton takes back Denver’s offense and Michael Pittman Jr. faces a lengthy absence.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally have their first victory of the season, and it came in a game almost nobody expected them to win.

Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Bucky Irving powered Tampa Bay to a 24-16 upset of Dallas on Thursday Night Football, handing the Cowboys another frustrating home loss. The Buccaneers controlled the ground game, forced three turnovers and delivered their best performance of the season without Baker Mayfield.

Thursday also brought a significant coaching change in Denver, where Sean Payton is taking back offensive play-calling responsibilities. Pittsburgh learned Michael Pittman Jr. will miss multiple games, Philadelphia’s injury situation worsened ahead of its London matchup, and Baltimore is running out of time to get Lamar Jackson ready for Sunday night.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for October 9, 2026!

Buccaneers Stun Cowboys for First Victory of 2026

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Dallas Cowboys 16

Tampa Bay entered Thursday night winless, without its starting quarterback and facing a Dallas team favored to win comfortably. Four quarters later, the Buccaneers had produced their most complete performance of the season and handed the Cowboys a loss that raises serious questions about Dallas’ consistency.

Bucky Irving was the centerpiece of the victory, rushing for a career-high 165 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. He also caught a five-yard touchdown pass from Jalon Daniels, giving him two scores while repeatedly exposing a Dallas defense that struggled to contain Tampa Bay’s running game.

Daniels was considerably more effective in his second NFL start. The undrafted rookie from Kansas completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception, providing the Buccaneers with efficient quarterback play while Baker Mayfield continues recovering from his injured thumb.

The Cowboys actually led 10-7 at halftime, but Tampa Bay completely changed the game during the third quarter. Irving opened the second half with a 72-yard run, setting up Emeka Egbuka’s 14-yard rushing touchdown on the following play.

Tampa Bay’s defense then took over. Yaya Diaby intercepted Dak Prescott, Miles Killebrew forced a fumble on a kickoff return and Kevin Knowles recovered it, helping the Buccaneers build a 24-10 advantage.

Dallas attempted a fourth-quarter comeback behind Prescott and George Pickens. Prescott connected with Pickens for an 18-yard touchdown with just over five minutes remaining, but the Cowboys failed on the two-point conversion and remained eight points behind.

The Cowboys received another opportunity after their defense stopped Tampa Bay near the goal line, but Prescott’s final drive ended when a pass deflected off Jake Ferguson’s hands and Alex Anzalone made a diving interception.

Prescott finished with 316 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Pickens caught nine passes for 130 yards and a score, but Dallas committed three turnovers while Tampa Bay protected the football throughout the game.

The Cowboys also lost CeeDee Lamb to a quadriceps injury during the second half. Lamb finished with just two receptions for nine yards, and his status will become another important concern for Dallas during its extended break.

Tampa Bay improves to 1-4, while Dallas falls to 2-3. The Buccaneers controlled possession for more than 39 minutes, rushed 39 times and forced the Cowboys to operate almost exclusively through the passing game.

For Tampa Bay, the result offers evidence that the offense can function without Mayfield when Daniels protects the football and Irving establishes the running game. Dallas, meanwhile, has now lost a game it was expected to win comfortably, and the defense remains unable to consistently control opposing offenses.

Sean Payton Takes Back Broncos Offensive Play-Calling

Denver is making a significant offensive adjustment after four games, with head coach Sean Payton announcing Thursday that he will resume calling plays beginning Sunday against the Chargers.

Payton had turned those responsibilities over to offensive coordinator Davis Webb before the season, marking the first time in his coaching career that he had fully delegated offensive play-calling duties.
The experiment lasted just four games.

Denver enters Week 5 at 2-2, but the offense has struggled to generate the explosive plays expected from a group featuring Bo Nix, Jaylen Waddle and several other established weapons.

Nix has completed approximately 60% of his passes for 819 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. His 80.4 passer rating reflects an offense that has been functional at times but rarely dangerous enough to consistently challenge opposing defenses.

The problem was particularly apparent in Sunday’s 24-14 loss to San Francisco. Nix repeatedly relied on short passes and checkdowns, with running back RJ Harvey catching 10 passes for 68 yards while the Broncos struggled to create explosive plays downfield.

Payton said he informed Webb of the decision Monday and emphasized that the young coordinator remains an important part of Denver’s future. Webb will continue helping develop the game plan and working alongside Payton during games.

The change also represents a notable shift in accountability. Payton built his reputation as one of football’s most creative offensive minds, and reclaiming the play sheet places responsibility for Denver’s improvement directly in his hands.

Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers now becomes the first test of whether Payton can restore the aggressiveness that helped Denver reach the AFC Championship Game last season.

Michael Pittman Jr. Expected to Miss Multiple Games

Pittsburgh received disappointing injury news Thursday when head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will miss multiple games after aggravating his left foot injury.

Pittman has been dealing with the issue throughout the early portion of the season and was unable to recover sufficiently to remain available. The Steelers have not established a definitive return date, but McCarthy indicated the absence will extend beyond Sunday’s matchup with Indianapolis.

The 29-year-old receiver arrived in Pittsburgh during the offseason after being traded from the Colts. He subsequently signed a three-year, $59 million contract extension, making him an important part of the Steelers’ offensive plans.

Through three starts, however, Pittman has managed only seven receptions for 89 yards. The foot injury has prevented him from establishing the production Pittsburgh expected when it acquired him.

The timing is particularly frustrating because the Steelers are preparing to face Pittman’s former team. Indianapolis enters the matchup at 2-2 following Sunday’s victory over Washington, while Pittsburgh is attempting to recover from its 27-24 loss to Cleveland.

Pittsburgh did receive some encouraging injury news Thursday. Safety DeShon Elliott has opened his 21-day practice window after beginning the season on injured reserve with knee and hamstring issues.

Elliott’s eventual return would provide additional experience to the secondary, but Pittman’s absence creates a more immediate offensive concern. Pittsburgh invested heavily in the veteran receiver during the offseason and now must find ways to generate consistent passing production without him.

Eagles Injury Situation Gets Worse Ahead of London

Philadelphia’s injury problems continue growing, and Thursday brought another setback for an offense already facing significant personnel changes.

Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith and center Drew Kendall all missed practice for the second consecutive day. Barkley and Smith are dealing with hamstring injuries, while Kendall is recovering from a knee issue.

The Eagles are preparing for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but their available offensive personnel could look dramatically different from the group that began the season.

Philadelphia already lost Lane Johnson to retirement earlier this week and traded Cam Jurgens to Baltimore. Kendall had become the starting center following the offensive-line changes, making his own injury especially problematic.

The Eagles could now be forced to use another replacement at center while simultaneously adjusting their right tackle situation.

Thursday also brought a new concern at receiver. Dontayvion Wicks was added to the injury report with a hamstring problem and participated on a limited basis.

Wicks had been expected to handle an expanded role while Smith and Marquise Brown recovered from their injuries. Brown also missed Thursday’s practice because of an ankle injury, potentially leaving Philadelphia with a severely depleted receiving corps.

There was some encouraging news. Dallas Goedert and Zack Baun participated on a limited basis for the second consecutive day, while cornerback Quinyon Mitchell returned to full participation.Goedert’s potential return would be especially valuable for Jalen Hurts, who has struggled to generate consistent offense during Philadelphia’s consecutive losses.

The Eagles are 2-2 after beginning the season undefeated, and their offensive problems have become increasingly difficult to separate from the injuries. Philadelphia scored only 27 points across losses to Chicago and Los Angeles, and now faces a Jacksonville team that has won three of its first four games.

Friday’s final injury designations will determine exactly how much help Hurts can expect in London. The Eagles are running out of healthy established starters at precisely the moment their offense needs stability.

Lamar Jackson Misses Second Consecutive Practice

Baltimore continues preparing for the possibility that Lamar Jackson will miss Sunday night’s game against Atlanta.

Jackson did not participate in Thursday’s practice, marking his second consecutive absence as he recovers from the ankle injury suffered during last week’s victory over Tennessee.

Head coach Jesse Minter has maintained that Jackson could potentially play without practicing during the week, but the quarterback’s continued absence makes his availability increasingly uncertain.

Tyler Huntley has been preparing to start if Jackson cannot play. Huntley replaced Jackson against Tennessee and helped Baltimore protect its lead, although the Ravens failed to score during the second half.

Baltimore did receive some positive developments elsewhere on its injury report. Ronnie Stanley returned to full participation, while Kyle Hamilton and Rashod Bateman also practiced fully. Andrew Vorhees returned on a limited basis, providing some encouragement for an offensive line that has been dealing with injuries throughout the season.

Newly acquired center Cam Jurgens remains in concussion protocol and is not expected to debut until Week 6. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey and linebacker Trey Hendrickson also missed Thursday’s practice. Atlanta enters Sunday night at 2-2 after scoring 80 points across consecutive victories over Green Bay and New Orleans. The Falcons’ running game has been particularly effective, producing five rushing touchdowns during Monday’s 45-24 victory over the Saints.

The matchup creates an obvious challenge for Baltimore if Jackson cannot play. Atlanta has developed an offensive identity built around controlling the ground game, while the Ravens may need Huntley to keep pace without the quarterback who makes their offense so difficult to defend.

Jackson’s status remains one of the most important decisions still pending ahead of Week 5.

Jayden Daniels Ready to Return, but Commanders Receivers Remain Injured

Washington received another encouraging development Thursday when Jayden Daniels participated fully in practice for the second consecutive day.

Offensive coordinator David Blough described Daniels as ready to play, strengthening expectations that the quarterback will return Sunday against the Giants after missing two games with a dislocated left elbow.

Daniels has been practicing with a protective brace on his non-throwing arm and has indicated that he expects to continue wearing it throughout the season.

His return would provide a significant boost to a Washington offense that has struggled through multiple quarterback injuries. Marcus Mariota remains sidelined with a sprained knee, leaving rookie Athan Kaliakmanis as the primary alternative if Daniels experiences another setback.

The receiving situation remains much less encouraging. Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs both missed Thursday’s practice because of hamstring injuries. Neither has participated this week, creating the possibility that Daniels will return without two of his most important receiving options.

Washington also made a surprising roster move Thursday, waiving rookie running back Kaytron Allen.
Allen was selected in the sixth round of April’s draft and appeared in all four games, recording 41 rushing yards on 12 carries. The move comes as Washington adjusts its backfield following Austin Ekeler’s return and the possibility of Jeremy McNichols becoming available.

The Commanders could attempt to bring Allen back on the practice squad if he clears waivers, but another team will have an opportunity to claim him first.

Washington is 1-3 and faces a Giants team that has opened 3-1. Getting Daniels back would restore the centerpiece of the Commanders’ offense, but protecting him and finding healthy receiving options remain immediate priorities.

Ja’Marr Chase Returns to Practice, Tee Higgins Still Sidelined

Cincinnati received mixed news Thursday as its two star receivers continue recovering from injuries suffered against Jacksonville.

Ja’Marr Chase returned to practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s session while progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol.

The participation represents meaningful progress, although Chase has not yet completed the required clearance process and remains uncertain for Sunday’s game against Miami.

Tee Higgins’ situation is less encouraging. Higgins missed practice for the second consecutive day while recovering from groin and neck issues.

Higgins caught 11 passes for 157 yards against Jacksonville before leaving late in the game. Chase suffered his concussion earlier in the contest, forcing Cincinnati to operate without its two primary receiving weapons.

Head coach Zac Taylor continues describing both players as day-to-day, but Friday’s final injury report will provide a clearer indication of their availability.

The Bengals are 2-2 and have lost consecutive games after opening the season with two victories. Miami enters Sunday at 0-4, making the matchup an opportunity for Cincinnati to stabilize its season before entering its Week 6 bye.

That opportunity becomes considerably more complicated if Joe Burrow is forced to play without either Chase or Higgins.

Justin Jefferson Moves Closer to Vikings Return

Minnesota remains undefeated, and its passing game could receive an important addition Sunday against New Orleans. Justin Jefferson participated on a limited basis Thursday for the second consecutive day as he continues recovering from the ankle injury that kept him out of last week’s victory over Miami.

Jefferson has expressed a strong desire to play against the Saints, particularly because the matchup takes place in his home state of Louisiana. The Vikings have been cautious with their star receiver, and Kevin O’Connell has emphasized that Minnesota will not rush him back before he can perform at his normal level.

Jordan Addison also returned to limited participation Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice with hamstring soreness. That provides additional encouragement for a receiving corps that has struggled to generate consistent production despite Minnesota’s 4-0 start.

Christian Darrisaw remains in concussion protocol, however, creating another potential absence along the offensive line. Minnesota signed Odell Beckham Jr. to its practice squad earlier this week, giving the team another veteran receiving option while Jefferson and Addison work through their injuries.

The Vikings have survived the opening month largely through defense, special teams and timely offensive production. Getting Jefferson back would give Minnesota an opportunity to develop a more balanced attack before the schedule becomes considerably more demanding.

Seahawks Could Be Without Leonard Williams Against Undefeated 49ers

One of Sunday’s most important matchups features San Francisco visiting Seattle in an NFC West showdown between two teams with championship expectations.

The 49ers enter at 4-0, while the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks are 3-1 after recovering from their Week 3 loss to Washington.

Seattle’s biggest injury concern is defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who did not practice Thursday after participating on a limited basis Wednesday.

Williams suffered an ankle injury during last week’s victory over the Chargers, and his availability could have a significant impact on Seattle’s ability to pressure Brock Purdy.

That matchup becomes particularly interesting because San Francisco has not allowed a sack through its first four games.

The 49ers are only the fifth team since sacks became an official statistic in 1963 to begin a season with four consecutive games without surrendering one. Their offensive line has provided outstanding protection, while Purdy has consistently avoided unnecessary pressure.

Seattle is also dealing with running back injuries. Rookie Jadarian Price is on injured reserve, Zach Charbonnet remains unavailable and the Seahawks recently added veteran Joe Mixon to provide additional depth.

Sunday offers Seattle an opportunity to hand San Francisco its first loss while moving within one game of the division lead.

For the 49ers, another victory would establish a commanding early advantage in the NFC West. For Seattle, the challenge is finding enough healthy personnel to disrupt an offense that has been remarkably efficient at protecting its quarterback.

Titans Make Major Business-Side Changes Amid Winless Start

Tennessee’s difficult opening month has now produced significant changes away from the football field.
The Titans announced the departures of three senior business executives Thursday as the organization prepares for the opening of its new stadium next year.

Senior vice president and chief revenue officer Adam Nuse, senior vice president of brand marketing Erin Swartz and vice president of creative Charles Jensen are all leaving the organization.

Swartz had played a prominent role in Tennessee’s recent rebranding, including the franchise’s redesigned logo and uniforms unveiled earlier this year.

The Titans said the changes are part of a broader restructuring of their business operations. The organization plans to hire a new executive vice president and chief business officer to oversee revenue, marketing and communications.

The timing is significant because Tennessee is preparing to open its new $2.2 billion Nissan Stadium in 2027. The venue is also scheduled to host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030.

Tennessee enters Sunday’s matchup with Houston at 0-4, but the business changes appear focused on the organization’s long-term commercial operations rather than immediate football performance.

The Titans have now experienced significant turnover in both football leadership and business operations over recent seasons. With a new stadium approaching, ownership is clearly attempting to establish a different organizational structure before entering an important period in franchise history.

NFL Asks Supreme Court to Address Prediction Market Regulation

The NFL entered an increasingly important legal and business debate Thursday by urging the United States Supreme Court to address the regulation of sports-related prediction markets. The league filed a brief supporting New Jersey’s effort to establish state regulatory authority over platforms offering contracts tied to sporting events.

The central dispute concerns whether these markets should be regulated primarily by the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission or by individual states under their gambling laws.

The NFL argues that sports-related prediction markets create many of the same integrity concerns as traditional sports wagering and should be subject to comparable safeguards.

League officials have raised concerns about regulatory resources, restrictions on certain types of wagers and the potential for individuals with access to confidential information to exploit event-based markets.

The issue has become increasingly significant as prediction markets expand their presence in professional sports. For the NFL, the case extends beyond gambling revenue. The league has spent years establishing relationships with regulated sportsbooks while attempting to protect competitive integrity, and prediction markets represent a growing sector operating under a different regulatory structure.

A Supreme Court decision could determine how those platforms operate throughout the country and what authority state regulators retain over sports-related contracts.

Jason Kelce Returns to the London Broadcast Booth

Sunday’s Eagles-Jaguars matchup will feature another notable development in the NFL’s broadcasting landscape. Jason Kelce is scheduled to return to the NFL Network broadcast booth alongside Dave Pasch and Kurt Warner for the second London game of the season.

Kelce made his debut as a game analyst during last Sunday’s Colts-Commanders matchup and is scheduled to work four international broadcasts during the 2026 season. The assignment creates an interesting situation because Kelce will be analyzing the Eagles, the franchise where he spent his entire playing career and won two Super Bowl championships.

His debut received considerable attention for his enthusiasm and detailed explanations of offensive-line play, giving NFL Network another recognizable personality during its international coverage.

The league continues experimenting with prominent former players in broadcast roles, and Kelce’s expanded responsibilities come during a season already featuring major changes to several network announcing teams.

For Philadelphia, the game also comes just days after Lane Johnson’s retirement and the trade of Cam Jurgens, meaning Kelce will be analyzing an offensive line undergoing substantial changes from the group he once helped lead.

The broadcast begins Sunday at 9:30 AM ET from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tampa Bay has its first victory, but Dallas enters its extended break with another disappointing loss and a new injury concern involving Lamb. Denver has returned its offense to Payton, Pittsburgh must adjust without Pittman and Philadelphia faces the possibility of playing in London without several of its most important offensive players.

Baltimore still needs to determine whether Jackson can play, while Washington appears ready to welcome Daniels back. Cincinnati and Minnesota are waiting on their star receivers, and Seattle may be without one of its most important defensive players against undefeated San Francisco.

Thursday’s result also provides a reminder that early-season records can change the conversation quickly. Tampa Bay was 0-4 entering Dallas and looked like a team struggling to remain competitive.

One strong performance from its running game and rookie quarterback has given the Buccaneers a reason to believe their season can still move in a different direction.

Dallas now faces the opposite question. The Cowboys have enough offensive talent to compete, but Thursday demonstrated how quickly that advantage disappears when turnovers, defensive breakdowns and injuries begin accumulating.

This report includes information from: NFL.com, Reuters.com, ESPN.com, Associated Press, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, TampaBayBuccaneers.com, DallasCowboys.com, DenverBroncos.com, BaltimoreRavens.com, Vikings.com, Bengals.com, Front Office Sports and official NFL injury and transaction reports.