NFL Makes Major Announcement on Buccaneers Week 6 Game vs. 49ers
The NFL announced Monday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 6 game has been moved to the late afternoon window.
The Buccaneers’ game against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 12 has been flexed to a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS.
Tampa Bay will now headline one of the weekend’s marquee matchups, with the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints sliding into the 1 p.m. slot.
Entering Week 5, the Buccaneers and 49ers share 3-1 records, lead their divisions, and look the part of NFC contenders. In contrast, the Patriots (2-2) vs. Saints (0-4) matchup carries far less appeal, given New Orleans’ early struggles.
The CBS commentators haven’t been announced but based on the slate of games that weekend, it’s possible that Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call.
Buccaneers Off to a Good Start
For the Oct. 12 game, Tampa Bay will be coming off a matchup with the Seattle Seahawks (3-1) in Week 5 after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) in Week 4.
Against the Eagles, quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted to rally the Bucs in the fourth quarter, which he has been accustomed to doing as of late, but the Super Bowl champions remained undefeated in the end, winning 31-25.
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 28: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Mayfield, limited in practice by a biceps injury, tossed scores of 77 and 72 yards before being intercepted on first down from the Eagles’ 11-yard line as his team trailed 31-23 midway through the final quarter.
With just under two minutes remaining, Tampa Bay had possession at the Eagles’ 40, but a Moro Ojomo sack and a short 2-yard completion on fourth-and-9 ended the drive.
Mayfield led the Bucs to game-winning touchdowns in each of its first three games.
Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin made a 65-yard field goal on the final play of the first half, which was the longest in NFL history in an outdoor stadium. McLaughlin fell one yard shy of Justin Tucker’s NFL-record 66-yard field goal, made for Baltimore against Detroit in a dome back in 2021. Dallas’ Brandon Aubrey also hit a 65-yarder last season with the roof closed at AT&T Stadium.
San Francisco Looked Inconsistent
For the Oct. 12 game, the Niners (3-1) will be coming off a lot of days off because they face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Oct. 2. The 49ers lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 26-21, in Week 4.
A strip-sack by former San Francisco star Arik Armstead on Brock Purdy inside the final three minutes clinched the Jaguars’ (3-1) win. The contest closed in dramatic fashion as coach Liam Coen and Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh had to be separated after Saleh accused Jacksonville of sign-stealing—done within the rules.
With 7:41 left, Purdy found Jake Tonges for a 21-yard score that pulled the 49ers within 26-21. A missed 47-yard attempt by Cam Little then opened the door for a potential comeback.
In his first game back from a two-game absence with a toe injury, Purdy struggled with consistency. He completed 22 of 38 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns, but his three turnovers proved costly.
Adam Thielen on JJ McCarthy’s Slow Start: ‘He’s Built to Overcome Challenges’
Adam Thielen, wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, has expressed confidence in JJ McCarthy following a slow start to the season, praising the young quarterback’s attitude and resilience. Thielen, who has been impressed by McCarthy’s mentality and “It” factor, believes the rookie QB will turn things around and become a key player for the Vikings moving forward.
“JJ is built for this,” Thielen said. “I say that because of his mindset and his attitude. He has that ‘It’ factor that you can’t teach. It’s what excites me about playing with guys like him. You saw it in the Bears game—he’s going to find a way to make it work, and he’ll figure it out.”
Thielen’s comments highlight his faith in McCarthy’s ability to adapt and succeed, despite early-season struggles.
Thielen’s Perspective: ‘It’s About the Mentality’
Thielen emphasized that McCarthy’s success won’t just be about physical talent but also the mental approach he brings to the game. “It’s his mentality that stands out,” Thielen said. “He’s got the right mindset to deal with adversity, and that’s half the battle. I have no doubt that he’s going to rise to the challenge and become the player we need.”
McCarthy’s ability to stay composed under pressure has been a key factor in Thielen’s belief that the young quarterback will soon find his stride.
Looking Ahead: ‘He’s Got the Tools to Succeed’
As McCarthy looks to improve and solidify his role, Thielen is confident in his quarterback’s potential. “JJ has all the tools to succeed,” Thielen said. “It’s just a matter of getting in a rhythm and trusting the process. He’s already shown flashes of what he’s capable of, and I know he’ll continue to grow and get better.”
Thielen’s support for McCarthy underscores the importance of team unity and trust, especially when working through challenging times.
Final Thoughts: ‘I’m Excited to Watch His Progress’
Looking ahead, Thielen is eager to see how McCarthy evolves as the season progresses. “I’m excited to watch him grow,” Thielen said. “He’s got a bright future, and I have no doubt that he’s going to find success. We’re all behind him, and we’re here to help him get there.”
Thielen’s comments provide a strong vote of confidence in McCarthy’s ability to overcome early struggles and prove himself as the Vikings’ leader.
