Former Bear David Walker out for Buccaneers season with torn ACL

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were counting on rookie outside linebacker David Walker from Central Arkansas to inject new energy into their defense this fall.

Instead, Walker will spend his first NFL season on the sidelines after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a non-contact drill in last Friday’s training camp practice, a blow across the team’s facility and left coaches and teammates scrambling to fill a sudden void.

Walker, a fourth-round draft pick out of UCA, had quickly impressed coaches with his speed and tenacity. Just weeks into his first pro camp, he’d found himself working with the second-team defense and drawing praise from veterans for his work ethic.

That momentum came to a halt when Walker went down late in practice, grabbing his right knee. He was able to limp off with assistance, but the concern was immediate and, by Monday, confirmed.

Walker will undergo surgery and miss the entire 2025 season, coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Monday.

“It’s tough, especially for a young guy who was showing so much promise,” Bowles said. “David had earned a lot of respect in a short time. We’ll support him all the way through his recovery and look forward to getting him back next year.”

The timing couldn’t be worse for the Buccaneers, whose defense is in transition after several offseason departures. Walker was one of a handful of rookies expected to compete for snaps in a linebacking corps looking to get younger and faster.

His absence forces the Buccaneers to dig deeper into their depth chart, a storyline that’s become all too familiar for NFL teams as preseason injury lists grow longer each year .

Across the league, ACL injuries remain a persistent problem. Through the first week of camps in 2025, at least six rookies or second-year players have already been sidelined with torn ligaments.

For Walker, the setback comes just as his NFL journey was gaining steam.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Buccaneers defensive captain Lavonte David. “He was soaking up every bit of knowledge, always asking questions. You hate to see a young guy lose a year like that.”

Walker’s story had drawn attention even before his injury. Lightly recruited out of high school, he became one of UCA’s most productive defenders.

His faith and work ethic were the stuff of preseason features.

“I’m big on my faith,” Walker told local reporters last month. “I’ve overcome a lot to get here. Every day in this league is a blessing.”

Walker’s injury occurred on a running play late in practice, according to team insiders. He stayed on the ground for several minutes before being helped to his feet.

“You could tell right away it was serious,” said fellow rookie Sterling Shepard, who was among the first to reach Walker on the field. “He just kept saying, ‘I’ll be back. I’ll be back.’ That’s who he is.”

The Buccaneers placed Walker on injured reserve Monday, officially sidelining him for the season but preserving a spot on the roster for his return in 2026.

While the team has weathered major injuries before, the ripple effects of losing a promising rookie are especially acute.

“Depth is everything,” Bowles said. “Football is a game of attrition, but you never get used to this part.”

Walker’s injury also reignites debate about the demands of NFL training camps. Team medical staff have increased emphasis on injury prevention, but the physical nature of the sport and the drive among rookies to make an impression means risk is never far away.

“There’s only so much you can do,” said Dr. James Andrews, renowned orthopedic surgeon. “The ACL is vulnerable, particularly for athletes changing direction at high speed. Sometimes it’s just bad luck.”

For now, the Buccaneers must turn to other young prospects and veterans to fill Walker’s spot in the rotation. The team had already added depth at linebacker in free agency, but Walker’s versatility and special teams potential made him a unique fit.

“We’ll have to adapt,” said defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. “You can’t replace a guy like that overnight, but the next man up has to be ready.”

Walker, meanwhile, begins the long road to recovery. He’s expected to undergo surgery this week and begin a rehab process that could last nine to 12 months.

“I’ve been through adversity before,” he wrote on his Instagram page Monday night. “This is just another chapter. I’ll be back stronger, and I’ll be cheering on my brothers every step of the way.”

The outpouring of support from teammates and fans has been immediate.

“He’s got all of Tampa behind him,” said Bowles. “You don’t stop rooting for someone just because they can’t play. He’s a part of this team, and he always will be.”

Now the Buccaneers move forward, but their rookie linebacker’s absence will be felt long after the season opener. “Football teaches you to get back up,” said Lavonte David. “We’re all pulling for him to do just that.”