Buccaneers’ 2^nd year player Da’Quan Bowers tore his Achilles earlier this month, the latest in what is seemingly a long line of Achilles injuries since the lockout ended, but the Buccaneers have not given up hope on Bowers returning late this season. GM Mark Dominik says that Bowers will be undergoing rehab with Shannon Merick, who is one of the best in the world at what he does and that maybe Bowers could play late in 2012.

Right now, that seems like a long shot as none of the players who suffered Achilles injuries last offseason played last season, but you never know. Whether or not he comes back late in the season will probably depend on whether or not the Buccaneers are still in it late in the season. If they’re out of contention, there will be no point to bring him back.

Bowers had a solid rookie year in a limited role after being taken in the 2^nd round in 2011, but they were obviously counting on him more in 2012. It looks like they may have to wait for 2013 for him to potentially have a breakout season. Once considered a possibility for the #1 pick, Bowers fell all the way to the middle of the 2^nd round thanks to concerns about his knee. His knee has been fine thus far, but his Achilles isn’t. In his absence, situational player Michael Bennett may have to become more of an every down player opposite Adrian Clayborn.

[switch_ad_hub]