By Tom Krasniqi

The news was expected, but still unfortunate.  The Bucs’ worst fears were realized on Monday when head coach Greg Schiano announced that defensive end Adrian Clayborn will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury.  Schiano didn’t specify exactly what the injury is, but speculation is that Clayborn tore the ACL and/or MCL in his right knee.  Regardless, a very serious injury.  Schiano says the team will look internally as well as externally for help at defensive end. 

The injury took place during Tampa Bay’s 16-10 loss at Dallas on Sunday.  Clayborn will be sorely missed.  He had 7.5 sacks in a very impressive rookie campaign last season but he’s also stout against the run.  Big loss indeed but the Bucs aren’t panicking.  “Next man up,” says defensive tackle Gerald McCoy on Monday.  “I was pretty shook up….he’s one of my closest friends on the team”, says defensive end Michael Bennett.

The Bucs would love to have defensive end Da’Quan Bowers back from his torn Achilles.  Bowers is currently on the physically-unable-to-perform list until Week 6.  Bowers spoke to reporters on Monday and says he’s taking things “day by day”.  Bowers says his rehab has been “overwhelming” both mentally and physically.  When I asked him if he will play this season, Bowers responded “I’m still a long ways away”.  Not good.  Don’t expect him back anytime soon.