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Cowboys Drop Veteran Linebacker in Week 1 After Refusing Backup Role to Rookie!

Frisco, TX –  2025

Week 1 of the NFL season is supposed to be about excitement and preparation, but in Dallas, it opened with shock. The Cowboys have released veteran linebacker Damien Wilson in a stunning move after he refused to accept a backup role behind rookie standout Shemar James.

Wilson, a fourth-round pick by the Cowboys back in 2015, built his career on grit and physicality. He logged four seasons in Dallas before making stops in Kansas City, Jacksonville, and Carolina, eventually returning in 2024 to bring veteran stability to the Cowboys’ defense. His presence in the locker room and contributions on special teams made him a trusted figure in Mike Zimmer’s system.

But according to team insiders, tensions boiled over when Wilson was told he would begin the 2025 season as a rotational piece behind James — a rookie from Florida who impressed throughout camp with his speed, instincts, and versatility.

“He flat-out told us he wouldn’t play second fiddle to a rookie,” head coach Mike McCarthy said. “And when we pushed back, he skipped a team meeting. In Dallas, that’s not how things work.”

From that moment, Wilson’s fate was sealed. The Cowboys cut ties immediately, opting instead to promote Shemar James into a key rotational role alongside Micah Parsons and Marist Liufau. Within hours of the move, Dallas filled the depth chart by signing veteran linebacker Tyrus Wheat to the practice squad.

The decision signals a clear direction: the Cowboys are leaning into youth and speed over veteran hierarchy. James, who flashed in the preseason with strong coverage and blitzing ability, now has a chance to make an instant impact in Zimmer’s aggressive scheme.

For Wilson, the cut marks an uncertain future. At 32, with over 400 career tackles and a Super Bowl ring from his time in Kansas City, he still carries value. But unless he accepts a reduced role elsewhere, this could be the final chapter of his NFL career.

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TIME CHANGE: How to Watch 49ERS vs BUCCANEERS in Week 6 - TV, Streaming, Kickoff Info
We are announcing a change in the schedule for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. This game has been flexed by the NFL to optimize the broadcast schedule, ensuring the best experience for fans across the United States and internationally. Reason for the Change Optimized Broadcast Schedule: The NFL has moved this game to a primetime slot to attract a larger audience on national television networks. Team Performance: With both teams boasting an impressive 4-1 record after five weeks, this matchup is considered one of the week's most exciting, deserving a high-viewership time slot. Original schedule (before the flex) Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.  pdated schedule (after the flex) Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Time: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 12, 2025 (local time in Tampa, Florida, equivalent to 1:25 PM PT) Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida How to Watch (U.S.) TV: CBS — Late national window (4:25 PM ET)Projected crew: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson Streaming: Paramount+ (with Live TV): Streams your local CBS channel (availability varies by market) YouTube TV / other vMVPDs: Watch via your local CBS affiliate (if carried) Out-of-market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube/YouTube TV for Sunday afternoon out-of-market games Radio Coverage 49ers (English): Flagships (Bay Area): KNBR 680 AM and 107.7 The Bone (KSAN-FM) Also available via the 49ers Radio Network and the 49ers app/website Example local listing: 1:25 PM PT Buccaneers (English): Flagship (Tampa Bay): WXTB 97.9 FM (98 ROCK) — Gene Deckerhoff, Dave Moore, T.J. Rives SiriusXM: Channel 226 (home-team feed) Bucs Radio Network: Statewide and regional affiliates (full frequency list available via team channels) Note: Over-the-air TV/radio coverage varies by location. Share your city/county and we’ll filter the local listings for you. Betting Snapshot (as of Oct 9, 2025 — subject to change) Spread: 49ers −3.5 Over/Under: 42.5 Moneyline: 49ers −165 / Buccaneers +140Check your preferred sportsbook for the latest numbers. Stay Updated For regional broadcast maps, game-week details, and fan events, visit the official team channels and follow on social media. International viewers should confirm local carriage and blackout rules with their providers.   We look forward to your passionate support for this crucial matchup! Let’s cheer on the 49ers as they continue their journey in the 2025 season!