The clock is ticking for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da'Quan Bowers. If the Bucs don't activate him in two weeks after Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bowers will be moved to season-ending injured reserve.

Bowers, the team's second-round draft selectin in 2011, was a projected first-round pick but slipped to the second due to injury concerns.

His rookie campaign in 2011 was a good one. The defensive end from Clemson recorded 10.5 sacks and 30 tackles for the Bucs defense.

Bucs head coach Greg Schiano weighed in on his current status.

"Well, he's improving. There's no doubt about that. We're gonna be very, very conservative. We're not gonna rush that situation," Schiano said. "We're gonna make sure he's well. But I can tell you from things I've seen that I'm really encouraged."

While that's encouraiging to hear, it's best to be cautious in bringing someone back from an achilles injury.

Schiano called it a "medial decision" not a coaching decision.

The team may need him more after the season ending injury to Adrian Clayborn, but it's clear Schiano is taking the right approach.

Bowers is certainly a difference make on defense and the Bucs really need something to spark them on that side of the ball. Hopefully he can be that spark, before it's too late in 2012.