Predicted Stat Line: Buccaneers OLB Rueben Bain vs Dallas

First-round draft pick Rueben Bain Jr. is set to return Thursday night when the Buccaneers travel to Dallas.

The rookie missed Tampa Bay’s previous two games with groin and shoulder injuries. Bain has practiced fully this week and is expected to play.

Bain has played only two games this season. He has recorded one tackle and two quarterback pressures.

The first-round pick is still searching for his first NFL sack.

Predicted Stat Line for Rueben Bain vs Dallas

– Total Tackles: 4-6
– Solo Tackles: 2-4
– Tackles For Loss: 1-2
– Sacks: 0.5-1.5
– Quarterback Hits: 2-3
– Pass Deflections: 0-1
– Forced Fumbles: 0-1

Key Factors Influencing

Bain’s return gives Tampa Bay another important piece along the defensive front.

The rookie was selected 15th overall after producing 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss at Miami.

He also led the nation with 83 quarterback pressures during his 2025 college season.

Dallas presents a challenging matchup for Bain. The Cowboys have allowed the sixth-lowest sacks-per-pass-play rate entering Thursday’s game.

That makes winning individual pass-rush opportunities especially important. Bain will also need to shake off the rust from missing two consecutive games.

Tampa Bay’s defense has played well despite its lack of consistent quarterback pressure. The Buccaneers have not recorded a sack since Bain’s absence began.

Getting Bain back could help change that against Dallas. His ability to generate pressure could also create opportunities for Tampa Bay’s other pass rushers.

Final Stat Predictions

– Total Tackles: 5
– Solo Tackles: 3
– Tackles For Loss: 1
– Sacks: 1
– Quarterback Hits: 2
– Pass Deflections: 0
– Forced Fumbles: 0

Bain’s return comes at an important time for a Buccaneers defense needing more pressure.

The rookie should see plenty of opportunities against a Dallas offense capable of creating explosive plays.

I expect some rust early, but Bain should make his presence felt against the Cowboys.

Prediction: 5 tackles, 3 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits.