Bucs LB David Walker (ACL) out for season, TE Cade Otton OK

Field Level Media|published: Mon 28th July, 11:17 2025

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Arkansas defensive lineman David Walker (DL72) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie linebacker David Walker will miss the season with a torn ACL, but there was better news Monday for tight end Cade Otton.

Walker, a 2025 fourth-round draft pick out of Central Arkansas, sustained the knee injury during Friday's practice at training camp.

Otton will not practice Monday but head coach Todd Bowles said his hamstring injury is not serious. The Bucs are being overly cautious because of the time of the year, Bowles said.

Walker, 25, was projected for a backup role this season behind starting outside linebackers Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby.

Walker earned the Buck Buchanan Award last season as the best defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. The three-time All-American led the FCS with 23 tackles for loss and tallied 10.5 sacks in 12 games in 2024.

Otton, 26, set career highs with 59 receptions for 600 yards in 2024. The 2022 fourth-round pick reeled in four touchdown grabs in each of the past two seasons.

--Field Level Media