Jalon Daniels Set for Second NFL Start Against Dallas Cowboys

Former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is getting another opportunity to prove himself in the NFL.

Daniels will make his second career start Thursday night when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to face the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The start comes just four days after Daniels made his NFL starting debut against the Green Bay Packers following Baker Mayfield’s injury. Tampa Bay enters the matchup still searching for its first victory of the season, while Dallas sits at 2-2. (buccaneers.com)

Daniels’ first start against Green Bay had plenty of positives and negatives. The former Jayhawk completed 19 of 27 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions in Tampa Bay’s 17-14 loss. He added 55 rushing yards on eight carries, showing the athletic ability that made him such a dangerous dual-threat quarterback during his time at Kansas. (nfl.com)

Despite the mistakes, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles quickly made it clear that Daniels would remain the starter while Mayfield recovers from his thumb injury.

“Yeah, he'll be the quarterback Thursday night,” Bowles said. “He had some ups and he had some downs, but for his first time out there, he didn't panic.”

That vote of confidence gives Daniels another chance to learn from his debut and show that he can become a reliable NFL quarterback.

The challenge will be significant.

Dallas enters Thursday night with one of the league’s most productive offenses. Quarterback Dak Prescott has helped the Cowboys score 31 or more points in three consecutive games, including a 34-30 comeback victory over the Houston Texans last week. (cbssports.com)

Daniels will also be facing a Cowboys defense that knows his strengths. Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker and head coach Brian Schottenheimer have acknowledged Daniels’ athleticism and ability to make plays outside the pocket.

Schottenheimer said Daniels has “great success at Kansas” and praised his arm strength and mobility. (roundtable.io)

For Daniels, Thursday represents more than just another start. It is another opportunity to show that he belongs at the NFL level.

The former Kansas quarterback went undrafted in 2026 before signing with Tampa Bay. He eventually earned the backup job behind Mayfield and became the first undrafted rookie quarterback in Buccaneers history to start a regular-season game.

Now, with Mayfield sidelined, Daniels has another chance to build confidence and gain valuable experience.

The Buccaneers will need him to protect the football while taking advantage of his ability as a runner. If Daniels can limit the mistakes that hurt Tampa Bay against Green Bay, he could give the Buccaneers a legitimate chance to compete with Dallas.

For Kansas fans, Thursday night will provide another opportunity to watch one of the program’s most memorable quarterbacks take another step in his professional career. JayhawkRoundtable.