Da'Quan Bowers injury: Bucs DE could return in 2012

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano told the Tampa Bay Times he anticipates defensive end Da'Quan Bowers to return at some point this season. Bowers has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since tearing his Achilles in May.

Bowers is eligible to be activated following Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, after which he can practice two weeks before the team either puts him on the roster or on the season-ending injured reserve list. Bowers, a second-round pick out of Clemson, had 11.5 sacks as a rookie last season.

The Bucs are also down former first-round pick Adrian Clayborn, who is out for the season with a knee injury sustained in Week 3, so getting Bowers back would be welcome news to the 1-3 Bucs.

Sciano seems pleased with Bowers' rehab:

"You hear a guy has to get his Achilles operated on, you're like 'Oooh,' " Schiano said. "But watching the stuff he's done out there on the field in rehab, that's good stuff."