Da’Quan Bowers tears Achilles, will miss ’12 season

Former Clemson star Da'Quan Bowers is still trying to get healthy

Former Clemson defensive end and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Da’Quan Bowers tore his Achilles tendon today during an offseason workout. He will miss the entire 2012 season. Recovery time for a torn Achilles ranges anywhere from nine to 12 months.

This is a devastating injury for Bowers, who was just getting to full strength after battling back from a knee injury he suffered his final season at Clemson. Bowers entered last year’s NFL draft as a projected top five pick, but slipped to the second round because of concerns about his injured knee.

The knee injury limited Bowers early in his rookie season, but he was starting come into his own with solid contributions late in the year. He finished last season with 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was expected to start opposite Adrian Clayborn this season.