Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Da’Quan Bowers fighting to keep roster spot

Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Da’Quan Bowers has missed some time dealing with injuries and it is hurting his chances at making the roster. Bowers was selected by the Bucs in the 2nd round and was expected to bring more of a pass rush onto the roster with his arrival, but he has not been able to live up to that potential. In his first 3 seasons in the league, he only has 5.5 sacks.

Lovie Smith wants to get more production out of his defensive end. Here are his thoughts on Bowers:

"“I think every day you don’t practice you’re huring your chances (of making the team),” Smith said, via The Tampa Bay Times. “We’ve seen enough to like Da’Quan a lot. But all the reps that he’s not getting, someone else is getting them. The best way to beat your competition sometimes is just to stay on the field. You can’t get Wally Pipped. Da’Quan is trying to get back. Again, I think he has a future in the league, whether it be as a defensive end outside or more of a third down rush guy inside.” – National Football Post"

Someone else is getting the reps right now. Bowers needs to get back and steal those reps again. In the end, Bowers should still have a roster spot.