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Bucs rookie gets mandatory minicamp off to a disappointing start and it's through no fault of his own

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Evan Winter | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 12:07 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have kicked off the 2025 version of mandatory minicamp and there was one notable injury update right from the start.

Rookie fourth-rounder David Walker was seen standing on the sidelines during Tuesday's practice. He was also a non-participant during the final OTA session that was open to the media the week earlier. Therefore, Walker is clearly dealing with some kind of injury issue that's recently popped up.

Coaches don't have to give injury updates ahead of the regular season, so Todd Bowles won't have to divulge any information when he's inevitably asked about it after practice. Regardless, we'll post any updates that are given, or not given, once he's asked about it.

Looks like David Walker is not participating #Bucs pic.twitter.com/eDTFrn3KSQ
— PewterReport ‍☠️ (@PewterReport) June 10, 2025

It's disappointing for Walker, who is expected to make some noise in the Bucs' pass rush room this summer. He was uber-productive in college, racking up 39.0 sacks and 82.5 tackles for loss during his time at Central Arkansas and he has the right traits to translate his game to the NFL.

Other notable injury updates from Day 1 of mandatory minicamp

Tristan Wirfs was at practice, but wasn't participating and also had a brace on his right knee, per FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Chris Godwin wasn't seen on or near the practice field and it's currently unclear if he's elsewhere in the building/facility.

Guard Elijah Klein was seen practicing after he missed the two open OTA sessions. Offensive lineman Silas Dzansi wasn't practicing. Per Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, third-year wideout Trey Palmer wasn't practicing, either. Per Auman, quarterback Michael Pratt wasn't at practice, either, but it's unclear if his absence is injury-related or not.

And finally, Lavonte David wasn't seen at practice, either, but like Pratt, it's unclear why he was absent. If anyone can get mandatory practices excused, he can, so there's likely not much to worry about, here.

Updates: David was a late arrival to practice, but didn't participate once he arrived. Godwin later showed up in street clothes and wasn't limping. Wirfs was seen running full speed off to the side, so the brace/practice regiment is probably a precautionary deal.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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