Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose rookie David Walker for the 2025 season to a torn ACL during July training camp, a major blow to their pass rush depth. #GoBucs
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The satisfying crack of pads finally returned to Buccaneers training camp on Monday, a sound running back Rachaad White celebrated as the start of 'real football.' But the harsh reality of the game quickly followed. The excitement was shattered by devastating news, as the team confirmed rookie edge rusher David Walker, a promising fourth-round pick, will miss the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, casting a dark cloud over the first day of full-contact practice.
It’s real football... It’s much better preparation and to be able to show your reads and ability.
The gut punch of the day was the official confirmation of David Walker's season-ending ACL tear, suffered during Friday's practice. The rookie from Central Arkansas, who led the entire FCS with 23 tackles for loss last year, was poised to provide crucial depth behind starters Haason Reddick and YaYa Diaby. His loss is a significant blow to the pass-rushing rotation before it ever truly got started. For a team that relies on disrupting the quarterback, losing a high-motor rookie this early forces the coaching staff back to the drawing board and puts immense pressure on the remaining depth players to step up.
While Walker's injury is the most severe, he's far from the only Buccaneer sidelined. An official injury report released Monday shows a concerning number of key contributors on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) isn't expected back until Week 5, while star receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is still not cleared for team drills, though the team remains hopeful for a Week 1 return. They are joined by guard Sua Opeta and QB Michael Pratt, creating a waiting game on the offensive side of the ball. The cautious approach with Godwin is smart, but his absence, coupled with Wirfs', means Baker Mayfield is starting camp without two of his most important offensive weapons.
On the other side of the trenches, another rookie is also waiting for his chance, albeit for different reasons. Undrafted defensive tackle Desmond Watson, who tipped the scales at 464 pounds at his pro day, remains on the non-football injury list. Coach Todd Bowles described the NFL's heaviest player as 'day to day' as he works with a nutritionist to get into playing shape. While fans are eager to see the massive lineman in action, the team is rightfully prioritizing his health. Meanwhile, as Rachaad White and the offense embrace the physicality of padded practices, the defense must now look for a new face to fill the void left by Walker, opening a critical opportunity for a camp hopeful to make their mark.
The first day of pads is always a milestone, but for the Bucs, it's a stark reminder of the league's brutal nature. The loss of Walker stings, and with stars like Godwin and Wirfs still sidelined, the team's depth will be tested early. Now, the focus shifts to resilience. Who will seize the opportunity created by Walker's absence? And can the offense get its key players healthy in time for a Week 1 push? The journey through training camp just got a lot more challenging.
