Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles had every reason to celebrate after his team pulled off an impressive upset win over the Dallas Cowboys.
So, when he was seen grimacing in pain on the sideline while down on one knee as the clock wound down on the Bucs’ 24-16 win Thursday at AT&T Stadium, it was an alarming scene.
However, it turns out the 62-year-old was in pain because he took a helmet to the stomach during the Buccaneers’ celebration after they intercepted Dak Prescott to help seal the win, according to ESPN. Bowles said he will be OK moving forward, according to the report.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles stands on the sidelines before an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 8, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
For Bowles, taking a helmet to the stomach may be a small price to pay for the Bucs’ first win of the season. They entered the game as heavy underdogs, going on the road on a short week while starting Jalon Daniels at quarterback, an undrafted rookie making his second career start in relief of Baker Mayfield.
The Bucs dominated time of possession, holding the ball for more than 39 minutes. They also forced three turnovers (two Prescott interceptions and a fumble by KeVontae Turpin on a kickoff return) and outgained the Cowboys by more than 50 yards.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles stands on the sidelines before an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 8, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Daniels completed 19 of his 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. Running back Bucky Irving was outstanding in the win, running for 165 yards on 21 carries with a rushing touchdown, and catching two passes for 10 yards and a receiving touchdown.
For the Buccaneers, Thursday night’s win over the Cowboys was much needed after a dismal start to the season. They had lost their first four games by a combined 20 points, hanging around in every game but not doing enough to come out on top.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Bowles will look to have his squad build on some positive momentum — and avoid taking another helmet to the stomach — when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.
