Bowers Likely Out for the Season

BATAVIA, IL

It took a while for Colliders’ management to acknowledge the injury of Da’Quan Bowers, who ruptured his Achilles in May, but they have finally placed the second year defensive end on injured reserve.

Hammond had noticed that Bowers was listed as “Out” on the roster page, but there were not any accompanying news articles about him.  When he researched the extent of the injury, however, he was sorely disappointed.

“I’m sorely disappointed,” Hammond said.  “I thought Bowers might make a move forward this year and actually earn the $11 we are paying him. Instead, it looks like a lost season.”

For his part, Bowers tried to put a positive spin on it. “I’m coming back this season. Mark my words. Collider life foreva! Holla!”

This moves Bucs/Colliders teammate Michael Bennett into a significant role.  He is playing for a contract, and will get his opportunity to show that he’s the one that deserves the big money.  Bennett performed well last season in some spot starts.

Joining Bowers on injured reserve is suspended running back Mikel Leshoure, another 2011 draft pick that was expected to perform in 2012.

“Well, these guys got a pass last year, because we didn’t really need them,” said Hammond. “But they were drafted with an eye to the future.  They’re going to need to show us something pretty soon.  We’ll have a lot more rookies coming in to challenge them in a few weeks.”

If Bowers does miss the season, then he’ll be playing for a contract next year, as his rookie RFA deal will be set to expire.  Leshoure is only expected to miss the first two games of the season, so he will have the opportunity to show what he can do this season.

© 2012, Josh Hammond. All rights reserved.