Bowers’ health at the center of attention again by Gil Arcia June 26, 2014
Buccaneers’ defensive end Da’Quan Bowers has yet to live up to the promise and expectation that he came into the league with. Now on his third coaching staff, Bowers faces some of the same adversity he’s had since entering the league. Defensive line coach Joe Cullen earlier this month talked about how the former Clemson star would have to get into playing shape. We now know why he made those comments.On WXBT-AM in South Carolina, Bowers revealed he has been rehabbing his knee in which he had surgery on in December. Bowers added he has been working with the staff all offseason on preparing for the season, but does say he is not ready to go.“I’m definitely not 100 percent. But by the time fall camp comes I’ll be close to it,” Bowers said. “I’ve worked extensively with the training staff and I’ve practiced every day. I haven’t missed a practice, minicamp or OTAs. I’ve practiced every practice. I’ve gotten better each and every day. That’s something to build on. Just continue to get healthy and become a better player.”Head coach Lovie Smith called Bowers a “good football player” back in April. However, he also added that he needed to “prove it right now.” And not being 100 percent has set him back from proving anything to Smith.His future with the Buccaneers is clearly up in the air. Training camp may be Bowers’ final opportunity.The full audio of his interview, courtesy of WXBT-AM, is posted below. Bowers comes on around the 22-minute mark.link
