David Walker’s Rookie Season Is Finished
July 28th, 2025
Update.
David Walker didn’t even make it to a padded practice.
The Bucs’ fourth-round draft pick who had his position coach Larry Foote hollering “that’s how you win a Super Bowl” will have ACL surgery, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
So Walker’s rookie season is over before it began.
Walker was hurt very late in practice on Day 3 of training camp. So already, the weak Bucs edge rush got thinner.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:09 am
Wow. This blows
July 28th, 2025 at 8:11 am
Damn….
July 28th, 2025 at 8:11 am
This is unfortunate. I wonder if we will bring in another Edge Rusher…AKA Shaq?
July 28th, 2025 at 8:11 am
Terrible
Pray for this young man quick recovery!!!
July 28th, 2025 at 8:12 am
Terrible. He got praise from Coach B. at the rookie camp.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:13 am
Larry Foote must feel like an idiot. THIS IS HOW YOU WIN SUPER BOWLS!
July 28th, 2025 at 8:13 am
Bring Shaq back
July 28th, 2025 at 8:16 am
Shaq is a wonderful human being. He’s washed up as a football player.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:17 am
This is why making predictions on the W/L record for a team this early is redicules. Don’t even know who the players are. Anything can happen to anyone during camp. Let’s see if Kancey is next. Already down Wirfs to start the season.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:18 am
Ouch.
What stood out to me on his college tape is that he hits like a freight train.
Thankfully we’ve got some depth, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Jason Licht does a little more bargain basement shopping in the next few weeks.
I hope David makes a full recovery.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:20 am
He will be 26
July 28th, 2025 at 8:20 am
The pressure is on Chris Braswell,
He gotta step up to the plate, and deliver
I think they will get Elijah Roberts on the field in different sets
July 28th, 2025 at 8:25 am
@ Joe
Did this injury occur during contact with another player or just a freak non-contact event?
Just curious to know.
I am always a bit surprised when players suffer major injuries before the pads even come on.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:34 am
I haven’t heard much from OLB Warren Peeples
He’s another one of Licht UDFAs
July 28th, 2025 at 8:35 am
This really blows. I was so eager to watch him this season!
July 28th, 2025 at 8:36 am
Next man up
July 28th, 2025 at 8:37 am
Im sure alot of us myself included, had wished we addressed edge rush earlier and more than once in the draft…
July 28th, 2025 at 8:37 am
Road to rehab starts now, only thing that works for us is that we didn’t NEED Walker. Let him get his medical attention, rehab right and come back next spring ready to work.
Also likely we’ll add to that room between now and then. Still, stinks for Walker.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:37 am
Have we set a record for the most season ending injuries BEFORE pads even come on the last few years? UNBELIEVABLE.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:40 am
Bucs luck strikes again. Next man up
July 28th, 2025 at 8:50 am
Right now that dude is last on the depth chart for his position, let’s not throw the towel on the season over a 4th rd pick that frankly hasn’t shown any ability with pads on. We’ve had a laundry list of underwear studs that never pan out. JTS was super athletic and played at big schools, he didn’t amount to much. We’ll find another or maybe give the guys we’ve be developing their shot.
My biggest fear is we’re getting some intense heat and our team is notorious for hamstring issues. We’ve got to find away to enter the season healthy. I can easily see us having at least one WR and one CB with hamstring issues by week 1.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:51 am
What about the just cramps pundits?
July 28th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Riddick, 1 sack in 2024
Braswell, non factor in 2024
Yaya, king of the almost sacks in 2024
Please tell me again why Licht is so revered by this fanbase? I have little confidence this defense will be any better this year.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:52 am
This hits me harder than losing Wirfs for a month! Unreal…i had a feeling that kid was gonna turn heads all year!! Damn…our Dline is already weak as a unit with sacks…season has a weird 9-7.vibe to it now…hope i wrong
July 28th, 2025 at 8:54 am
Licht needs to mortgage some picks for Hendrickson!!
July 28th, 2025 at 8:55 am
“What about the just cramps pundits?”
We were wrong, surprise surprise humans doing human things.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:56 am
“Please tell me again why Licht is so revered by this fanbase?”
Because the fan base includes a lot of knowledgeable football fans while the Troll farm keeps sending us negative nellies who perhaps fear crossing the street safely.
All I can say is Gawd I’m glad I’m not a few of you. Your negativity must keep you perpetually miserable. I get it. And so you wish to share it with us.
Personally I’m not buying. I still remain very positive! It’s ONE freaking injury, there will be MORE! Are we going to have to scroll past morons everytime a Buc player gets hurt.
Here’s a clue for some of you who have NEVER really paid attention.
INJURIES ARE A PART OF FOOTBALL!!!
July 28th, 2025 at 8:57 am
Hope Braswell steps up and proves why the Bucs made him a #2 draft pick.
July 28th, 2025 at 8:58 am
Shizzzzitty
July 28th, 2025 at 9:11 am
MR LIGHT,HENDRICKSON PLEASE!!!! GO BUS
July 28th, 2025 at 9:12 am
Was Logan Hall anywhere near the action?
July 28th, 2025 at 9:12 am
Mr. Licht oops, we get Hendrickson were going to the Super Bowl 100 %
July 28th, 2025 at 9:15 am
Can’t miss something you never had. Another over hyped rookie as far as I’m concerned. Any player who isn’t drafted till he’s 25, and played for a small school couldn’t be that special to begin with. Not concerned, or bummed about this. Good edge rushers don’t last till the 4th round.
July 28th, 2025 at 9:15 am
Yes, we as fans are disappointed but think how this young man must feel today.
As long as he’s been playing football he’s dreamed of this moment only to have it dashed in underwear football no less. Hoping and praying for David that he’ll have a chance to make this team next year..
July 28th, 2025 at 9:25 am
Guy is a wuss gets hurt in underwear football what a wuss
July 28th, 2025 at 9:29 am
CALL JPP
July 28th, 2025 at 9:31 am
Damn we have a huge hole a LB. The only reliable one we have is number 54 everyone better hope he makes it all season at his age. This is why I wanted them to address this in the draft and the offseason and signing walker wasn’t really it.
July 28th, 2025 at 9:41 am
July has been a brutal month.
July 28th, 2025 at 9:43 am
Barker
Count me as a someone who figured a cramp for a guy not from here, in Florida heat, who walked off under his own power. Idk about “pundit”
It’s a bummer. Was looking forward to seeing the kid play.
July 28th, 2025 at 9:45 am
Sorry to see that David! Was really excited to see how you would perform this year…See you next year and get well soon!
July 28th, 2025 at 9:51 am
I just got the notification… That’s such a huge hummer for him.
July 28th, 2025 at 9:56 am
Unfortunate, but this puts Licht in a win win position. He has a chance to acquire a long shot DE between now and week 1. High reward, lost cost type of signing or trade. Also, the pressure on Walker just been reduced. If he comes back and just play a full season, it will be progress.
July 28th, 2025 at 9:59 am
too bad for him, probably his big break down the tubes….had a nice highlicht reel…..
July 28th, 2025 at 9:59 am
lol questioning Jason Licht because someone got injured is a wild take but sadly that’s part of the culture in the Joe Bucs fan comment section. This team is really fun, very good, and relevant. 5 years and counting in the playoffs, with a recent Super Bowl ring. Try to enjoy it and know it will never be perfect!
July 28th, 2025 at 10:01 am
Jason Licht can bring in OLB Matt Judon for a workout
Just Sayin,
July 28th, 2025 at 10:08 am
We have over $25 million in cap space
We can sign a veteran Edge Rusher
And still have cap space left for another emergency
July 28th, 2025 at 10:10 am
Bucs better do something. They need more depth at edge. They are going to have more severe injuries on defense just like every single friggin year. How a guy can be so injured in underware football is beyond me. But it’s a Bucs life!
July 28th, 2025 at 10:10 am
Those injuries happen. Wasn’t it Baltimore that one year before the 1st game had three RBs with ACL’s. JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill and that was combined with their All pro Corner Marcus Peters.
I think those were all two or three weeks before the 1st game.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:11 am
I can’t say this instance in particular is on the medical or training staff, but I stand by my previous statements that those departments could use an influx of talent.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:11 am
Shaq at vet minimum.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:21 am
@ Dewey Selmon
Are you demented or just stupid? Larry Foote should’ve known Walker was gonna get hurt in training camp? News flash dummy, like other athletes, NFL players get hurt, it’s part of it.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:22 am
Too many lower body injuries , really before we get into pre season prep,(pads), makes one think maybe guys are not preparing properly for the grind , should take a look at what their preseason regim
July 28th, 2025 at 10:25 am
(Big fingers ,little keyboard!), to continue before my fingers interrupted me, preseason regimens are , seems some improvements could be made.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:26 am
Hendrickson looking pretty good..
Except for our Oline situation.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:27 am
Honestly don’t even know what this guy has so not terribly bothered. Feel bad for the kid. This pass rush will be better guaranteed
July 28th, 2025 at 10:28 am
i would have been happy to have been wrong about this, but i was sceptical as time went on
July 28th, 2025 at 10:32 am
Bucsfan81 You will be relieved to know Walker was not a ILB. He is a DE or what we call a OLB. The depth at ILB is not affected by this injury.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:33 am
We are not trading for/signing Hendrickson so people can stop with that. We have way too many of our own people to resign next off-season.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:38 am
Agree with Hodad on this one.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:43 am
BucsFan81 Says:
July 28th, 2025 at 9:31 am
Walker was an outside LB/Edge guy. This has no impact on the LBs you’re talking about. The Bucs believe with SirVocea Dennis as the other ILB starter next to #54, with Deion Jones and Anthony Walker backing up, that they are actually pretty deep there. So, not to burst your bubble, but you seem to be uninformed.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:44 am
At least it happened early enough that the brass will have a bigger pool to chose from. Had it been in Preseason game 3 the pickings may have been a lot slimmer.
All teams will have the unexpected things happen. Falcons lost their WR2 Mooney to a shoulder and were able to pick up DJ Chark who is no Mooney but better than anything they could have gotten from Roster Cuts or Practice squads a week from their opener with the Bucs w/plenty of time to acclimate to their system. Then it also gives a player like Hodge an opportunity to step up with more playing time. He seems to be able to get open and do damage after the catch.
Losing Walker a first year player does little to affect the Defense as not much is expected. That is unless he would have shucked the norm and really balled out like Verse with the Rams in 2024.
Who knows the Bucs might be able to pick up Pierce from Atlanta if he manages to punch his way off the Roster. Who’d a thought that the Falcons Walker who dropped due to character concerns would be a model citizen and Pierce who was thought to be lazy is making it a point to go so hard that it is leading to confrontations with the O Line.
What it comes down to is you field the best possible roster and let the chips fall where they may.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:44 am
m0deration m0deration m0deration m0deration
m0deration m0deration m0deration
m0deration m0deration
m0deration
m0deration
m0deration m0deration
m0deration m0deration m0deration
m0deration m0deration m0deration m0deration
July 28th, 2025 at 10:48 am
The guy was depth. Not a hug deal.
Hodad pretty much nailed it, but I disagree that good edge rushers do not last until the 4th. There are some exceptions.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:49 am
FilthyAnimal, your lack of patience is impressive. Sometimes the auto mod delays posts. As you can see, it did appear.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:50 am
Jmarkbuc Says:
July 28th, 2025 at 10:26 am
WRONG. This changes nothing about the Hendrickson nonsense. Idiot GMs make panic moves for high dollar over-30 players that require high trade compensation. Is this the freakout you want for a rookie OLB who wasn’t even going to be a starter?
D.U.M.B.
You mean the fact that we have one of the better lines in the league? And Wirfs will only be out a few weeks of the reqular season. That “situation”?
Please seek medical attention.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:51 am
BA’s Red Pen Says
“Shaq is a wonderful human being. He’s washed up as a football player.”
Not all football players are starters. Having him on the team at a good price could pay off later.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:52 am
BucsFan81 Says
“Damn we have a huge hole a LB. The only reliable one we have is number 54 everyone better hope he makes it all season at his age. This is why I wanted them to address this in the draft and the offseason and signing walker wasn’t really it.”
Completely different position.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:58 am
I swear it really seems like the team is jinxed sometimes. It’s like we draft & sign players that end up with injuries.
July 28th, 2025 at 10:59 am
Maybe Zadarius Smith?
July 28th, 2025 at 11:26 am
Football is a glorius dangerous sport all wrapped up into one. Its violent and full of contact. 31 other teams have injuries too. Get Well Walker. Next man up.
July 28th, 2025 at 11:37 am
Kidfloflo Says:
July 28th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Please seek professional help. Call a crisis line.
Seriously, one injury to a non-starter is enough to have you spiral out?
Season ending injuries are something you can almost guarantee every training camp. This is the NFL. If you expect to be unscathed heading into the season, you’re dreaming.
July 28th, 2025 at 11:41 am
@TwoThumbsUp
“Yes, we as fans are disappointed but think how this young man must feel today.”
THANKS! You restore my faith in humanity which gets tested almost daily here.
I think as fans we sometimes get conflicted. We LOVE our players until……
Whatever 2thumbs you are spot on.
July 28th, 2025 at 11:42 am
Kind of a wasted draft pick but honestly they need to give Shaq a call and beat the tires one last time to get some depth
July 28th, 2025 at 2:24 pm
First Last Says:
July 28th, 2025 at 11:42 am
Really? So draft picks are only good for their rookie season? Idi0tic statement.
It’s a redshirt year. Unfortunate and a total bummer to see a guy’s rookie year wrecked, but they drafted him to be a contributor for awhile.
The despair on the message threads is pretty sad. Seems like JBF should include the crisis line number on ever post, just in case.
July 28th, 2025 at 2:57 pm
Well…. might be another life for Ramirez after all. Unfortunate, but better to get it out of the way now. Keep your chin up, David Walker.
July 28th, 2025 at 3:26 pm
As a rookie, I don’t think Walker was going to be a major contributor, but you never know. The thing that is most disappointing is the amount of experience he would have gained to help him improve for next year is now lost.
July 28th, 2025 at 3:35 pm
What the hell…
July 28th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
He was probably spinning to drop into deep coverage and shredded the ACL when his cleats got stuck .
July 28th, 2025 at 5:59 pm
These legends weren’t 1st-round picks… or even close. But they terrorized QBs and earned their gold jackets:
### ✅ **Hall of Famers – Drafted AFTER Round 4:**
* **Deacon Jones** – 14th Round (1961)
> Coined the term “sack.” One of the most feared defenders ever.
* **Richard Dent** – 8th Round (1983)
> Super Bowl XX MVP. 137.5 career sacks with the legendary ’85 Bears.
* **Kevin Greene** – 5th Round (1985)
> 160 sacks (3rd all-time when he retired). Relentless.
* **Robert Mathis** – 5th Round (2003)
> Colts icon. NFL record 54 forced fumbles. 123 sacks.
—
### ⚠️ **4th-Rounders Who Made It to Canton:**
* **Jared Allen** – 4th Round (2004)
> 136 sacks. Viking menace. Rode bulls & buried quarterbacks.
* **Charles Haley** – 4th Round (1986)
> 5× Super Bowl champ. First player to hit that number.
💡 **Takeaway:** Don’t sleep on Day 3 picks. Some of the greatest pass rushers ever were hidden deep in the draft.
July 28th, 2025 at 11:25 pm
Prayers for David Walker.
It’s a good time for Chris Braswell to shock the world ..
July 29th, 2025 at 1:46 am
alright that’s it. trade for hendrickson. we’ll be unstoppable.
July 29th, 2025 at 9:58 pm
Rather give JPP a shot before Shaq. At least JPP is in shape. Shaq was out of shape when we was still playing