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Bucs rookie David Walker suffers torn ACL during practice

Buccaneers confirmed that David Walker's season ended after sustaining an ACL injury.

July 28, 2025 at 11:56 AM

Bucs fourth-rounder David Walker tore his ACL

Buccaneers fourth-round pick David Walker's rookie season has come to an early end.

Bucs rookie David Walker suffers torn ACL during practice

Buccaneers fourth-round pick David Walker’s rookie season has been cut short due to an ACL tear sustained during practice. Reports indicate that the linebacker was injured in a workout, prompting the team to prepare for his placement on injured reserve. Once officially confirmed, this injury will lead Walker to focus on rehabilitation for a return in the 2026 season. At Central Arkansas, Walker earned recognition for his outstanding performance, winning the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award for recording 10.5 sacks in the 2024 season. The Buccaneers still have several defenders available, including Haason Reddick and Anthony Nelson, who will now see more playing time on the edge of their defense.

Key Takeaways

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David Walker suffered a torn ACL in practice, ending his rookie season early.

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The Buccaneers will place Walker on injured reserve to start his recovery.

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Walker was a standout at Central Arkansas, winning the Buck Buchanan Award in 2024.

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His injury may impact the Buccaneers' defensive strategy for the season.

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Other edge defenders like Haason Reddick will now face increased responsibilities.

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The team needs to assess its depth to maintain competitiveness amid injuries.

"It is disappointing to see a talented rookie like David Walker face such a setback."

This comment reflects the sentiment around Walker's potential and the impact of his injury.

"Walker’s trajectory in college suggested he could elevate our defense significantly."

A Buccaneers spokesperson emphasizes Walker's expected contributions prior to his injury.

The injury of David Walker is a significant blow for the Buccaneers, as they had high hopes for the rookie linebacker. Walker's contributions were expected to enhance the team's defensive capabilities. With Walker sidelined, the focus now shifts to the other players in the squad, who must step up to fill the gap. This situation not only highlights the fragility of a player's career but also raises concerns about the overall depth of the Buccaneers' defense going forward.