Da’Quan Bowers Watch Continues
August 18th, 2014
For players on the bubble, the next two weeks are critical. NFL teams must shave their rosters to 75 players on Aug. 26 at 4 p.m., the first of the two major cut down dates. NFL teams must be at the regular season-mandated 53-man roster on Aug. 30.
Sometimes, if teams believe they have to move on from a veteran, they will release said player early, almost as a favor to provide plenty of time and options to latch on with another club.
In Joe’s eyes, this week is crucial for 2011 second-round pick Da’Quan Bowers. The oft-injured Bowers, who has been called out twice in as many years by different coaching staffs for being out of shape, apparently came into this summer’s training camp in shape. After recording the best series of his checkered career in the first preseason game at Jacksonville, Bowers became injured, yet again.
Either this guy is out of shape or hurt, or both. Bowers, who is in the final year of his four-year contract, is scheduled to make $900,768, per Rotoworld.com.
So it would behoove Bowers to blow up against the Bills this week much like he did two weeks ago against the Jags if he wants to keep his Tampa work address. Playing Saturday may not happen, however, per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times.
Bucs DE Da’Quan Bowers still slowed by a groin injury. Unsure when he’ll return to practice or whether he’ll play at Bills on Saturday.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 18, 2014
Again, if Bowers doesn’t produce and continues to languish on the sidelines with some ever-present malady, the only way Joe can see him surviving is if Bucs coach Lovie Smith is totally smitten with speed. Bowers has that and has been working at defensive tackle and Lovie believes speed is an advantage there.
Though a really nice guy, Bowers has been anything but dependable much less productive in his Bucs career. The NFL is all about production.
As Joe wrote earlier, you cannot be productive watching games just like a fan. If Bowers cannot go against Buffalo, the only question remaining is how much patience does Lovie have with Bowers and his constant for nagging injuries and his $900,000 salary with two cutdown dates looming in the next 12 days?
August 18th, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Is the salary guaranteed?……..Bowers does have the talent…..really hard to let him go….especially, if Lovie thinks he can be motivated……(By Lovie)….
August 18th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Bowers is good for depth. I think he should be retained for the final 53.
August 18th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
the Larry English signing signaled to me that they are just “this close” to letting Bowers go.
August 18th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Seems like we have a few players out with GROIN injuries. Prolly from playing pocket pool. Dint they learn their lessons from Coach Schiano about diddling during the season?
August 18th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Seriously. Why is this guy still on the team?????
August 18th, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Pretty sure Bowers is motivated (by Lovie) but the problem is Lovie isn’t a witchdoctor or medicine man or voodoo healer. Bowers, historically, is always hurt and his pattern continues to this day.
August 18th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Bowers’ injury problems are why he will be nothing more than a backup/situational player. No decent defense should have him as their starter.
August 18th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
i think if he’s good with his hands inside then keep him
August 18th, 2014 at 2:32 pm
I forget was that pick a steal or a fleece?
Oh, that’s right we out smarted Belichick to get him.
August 18th, 2014 at 2:52 pm
^^^^That’s what she said
August 18th, 2014 at 3:01 pm
Hey for 900,000 grand that I believe is guaranteed this is his last audition here in Tampa Bay this season. Next season he’ll probably be taking up another team’s medical staff’s time and energy for the league minimum I’m guessing. But if he can stay somewhat healthy this season, who knows?
August 18th, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Actually the future may not be in Bowers hands, (or knee, groin, Achilles, etc.), at all.
It’s up to someone else to outplay him.
August 18th, 2014 at 3:24 pm
I agree, Joe, that Bowers really needs to have a big game against Buffalo. But for maybe a different reason. The Redskins (final preseason game) will likely start (and finish) with backups and scrubs, so there will be no way for the staff to judge his effectiveness. With the starters likely going three quarters, this week, he would get ample opportunity to show his true value.
On the one hand, I hope he shows up really big, and makes the team. But, I also fear that he will then get injured, and the Bucs will be ‘short’ a d-lineman for a bunch of games.
August 18th, 2014 at 4:05 pm
Well no other DT on the second really stood out. At least Bower & Gholston did get behind the o line vs the Jags.
August 18th, 2014 at 4:14 pm
Second team^^^
August 19th, 2014 at 7:48 am
Bowers is the only D-Line with any kind of burst.
Thought Chaz Sutton might surprise- but nothing from him.
You can ussually play with a groin injury. I think Lovie is playing it safe. If this was week one- I bet Bowers plays.
He’ll play week one. We gotta find someone besides McCoy, who can rush the QB