Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end
Adrian Clayborn(94) against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pass rush has taken a big hit.
The Bucs announced today that defensive endAdrian Claybornhas been placed on injured reserve with a biceps injury that he suffered inSunday’s season opening lossto the Carolina Panthers.
His spot on the roster has been taken byScott Solomon, who the Bucs hadwaived earlier in the week.
Clayborn was going to be heavily relied upon this season as a starter opposite free agent signingMichael Johnson.
However, Clayborn lasted just one game and had one tackle in Sunday’s matchup.
Clayborn is the second Buc to placed on IR within the last 48 hours afterMike Jenkins’season ended on Wednesday.
It’s the second shortened season of Clayborn’s four-year career. In 2012 he played just three games before tearing his ACL and missing the rest of the season.
Last year Clayborn showed the promise the Bucs expected when they drafted him 20th overall in 2011 when he had 64 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
In related news, Johnson sat out practice for the third straight day meaning his status for Sunday isn’t promising. If Johnson doesn’t play, the Bucs will deploy two backup defensive ends for their game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday afternoon.
Solomon, who had a very good preseason that saw him make the initial 53-man roster, had three tackles in the season opener last Sunday.
Along with Johnson and Solomon, the other options at defensive end are therecently re-signedLarry English,William Gholston,Jacquies SmithandDa’Quan Bowers. However, Bowers has been primarily used as a defensive tackle since Lovie Smith became head coach.
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