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Bucs coach Lovie Smith "disappointed" in Bowers over PED suspension

 
FILE - This Oct., 24, 2013, file photo shows Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da'Quan Bowers (91) on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Tampa, Fla. The NFL has suspended  Bowers for two games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) NY152
FILE - This Oct., 24, 2013, file photo shows Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da'Quan Bowers (91) on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Tampa, Fla. The NFL has suspended Bowers for two games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) NY152
Published Oct. 23, 2014

TAMPA — Bucs coach Lovie Smith said he was "disappointed" in DE Da'Quan Bowers' decision to violate the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, resulting in a two-game suspension without pay.

Bowers is the second Bucs player in a week to face a two-game ban. FB Jorvorskie Lane violated the same policy. Lane's announcement came during the team's bye week, so both players will miss Sunday's game against the Vikings at Raymond James Stadium and the Nov. 2 game at Cleveland.

"Disappointed, starting off. I mean, we need everyone," Smith said of Bowers. "There is a reason he's on our football team. But people make mistakes and there are consequences with mistakes that you make."

Lane said he purchased an over-the-counter weight loss supplement that contained a banned substance. Bowers has struggled to stay in shape, and Smith indicated his suspension may have resulted from a similar mistake.

Smith said he doesn't believe the use of PEDs is a problem at One Buc Place.

"My point is, you make mistakes," Smith said. "Do I think that's a major problem? No. He's punished two games and he'll come back from there. Period.

"We've educated them. I think they knew what they were doing. They chose to go that route."

NO QB CONTROVERSY: Josh McCown is throwing again, but Mike Glennon will be the starting quarterback Sunday.

Smith did not officially name a starter but gave no indication there would be a change even when McCown is healthy.

"We don't have a quarterback controversy," Smith said. "Our quarterback position has been strengthened with Josh coming back. … As soon as we feel (McCown) is fully ready to play, he'll have a role with us."

Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said he was excited to see McCown throw in practice Monday but indicated that nothing had changed about their plan at quarterback.

"The key is perception. And there's not a quarterback controversy that's going to be created here," Arroyo said. "We've got two good quarterbacks who I'm really excited to have in our room. Whoever goes out there is going to give us a chance to win."

McCown has not played since tearing a ligament in right thumb against the Falcons on Sept. 18. He practiced briefly Monday and had full participation Wednesday.

EVANS TOUGHENING UP: As the Bucs used the bye week to study themselves and figure out areas for improvement, rookie WR Mike Evans came up with one main goal.

"Be more physical," said Evans, the No. 7 overall pick. "I try to be one of the most physical receivers in the league. I can be more physical, especially in the run game, and tighten up on my assignments."

Evans is eighth among rookies with 258 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

INJURIES: LB Jonathan Casillas (hamstring), T Anthony Collins (knee), S Dashon Goldson (ankle), WR Vincent Jackson (rib) McCown (thumb) and S Keith Tandy (hamstring) were limited in practice Wednesday.

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Times staff writer Matt Baker contributed to this report.