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Da’Quan Bowers makes his presence felt in first game back

Christian Ponder, Da'Quan Bowers

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) fumbles the ball in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, in Minneapolis. Ponder recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

AP

A backup playing 12 snaps out of 60 wouldn’t stand out in most cases.

But when the snaps in questions come from a guy who tore his Achilles in May, it’s pretty amazing.

Defensive end Da’Quan Bowers was back on the field for the Buccaneers last night, helping contribute some pressure as they work him back in slowly.

I definitely think my presence was noticeable,” Bowers said, via Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times. “I was fortunate enough to help the team tonight. Under the circumstances, just getting thrown in the first, it worked out really well. Coach [Greg] Schiano asked me how I felt. I told him, and we came up with the decision to go.

“I felt good about the decision. He totally left it up to me, and I felt I was more prepared this week than last week.”

The Bucs pass rush has looked sluggish since Adrian Clayborn when on injured reserve, so adding Bowers back in any capacity can only help.