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Desmond Watson on non-football illness list due to weight

Watson’s weight challenges are delaying his NFL debut with the Buccaneers.

July 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Todd Bowles: Desmond Watson is on non-football illness list because of his weight

The future of Buccaneers' Desmond Watson hangs in the balance as he manages his weight.

Desmond Watson faces weight challenges before NFL debut

Desmond Watson, the 464-pound defensive lineman signed by the Buccaneers, is currently on the non-football illness list due to his weight. Head coach Todd Bowles stated the team's focus is on Watson's health and preparing him to play. Though Bowles did not disclose specific weight loss goals, he noted that Watson has already shed some pounds and the team is optimistic about his progress. Making the 53-player roster this season will be a challenge for Watson, yet improving his fitness could open opportunities for him in preseason.

Key Takeaways

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Watson is the heaviest player in NFL history to sign a contract.

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He is on the non-football illness list due to his weight.

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Coach Bowles emphasizes health and improvement over strict timelines.

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Watson has lost some weight as part of his program.

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There are no specific weight loss goals provided by the team yet.

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His chances to make the final roster hinge on his progress.

"It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and get him on the field more."

Bowles indicates the team's commitment to Watson's health and fitness.

"He’s made some progress. . . . I don’t have a timetable on what we can get him down to."

Bowles acknowledges Watson's efforts but remains cautious about timelines.

"We have some things in mind with him, where we want to see him at."

Bowles shares the team's plans for Watson's fitness goals.

"Watson's journey highlights the critical balance between health and sports performance."

This quote encapsulates the broader implications of Watson's situation.

Watson's situation raises significant questions about athlete health and expectations in professional sports. His historic signing emphasizes a broader conversation about the weight standards that exist in the NFL. Despite the physical demands of the sport, his case illustrates how player safety and performance can sometimes conflict. Bowles' approach highlights a supportive method of developing talent, even if it comes with the risk of some public skepticism about Watson's journey. The balance between health and athletic performance will be under scrutiny as Watson works toward getting on the field.

Highlights

Watson's weight is a challenge, but progress is being made.
It's about being a healthier player for Watson.
The focus is on helping him get on the field more.
Every pound lost brings Watson closer to his dream.

Potential backlash over athlete health concerns

Watson's significant weight may raise public and professional scrutiny regarding athlete health standards. His struggle with weight loss as a crucial factor for his career presents sensitive challenges for the Buccaneers organization.

The team’s approach may set a precedent for managing player health in professional sports.

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