Bucs fearing worst for Clayborn
Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune, published 24 September 2012

Adrian Clayborn trudged down the Buccaneers sideline, past the cart that was waiting to transport him to the locker room.

Tampa Bay's second-year defensive end was going to try and tough it out after injuring his right knee early in the fourth quarter, but eventually relented. By the time the locker room opened after the game, Clayborn had a brace on his leg as he limped out the door.

Greg Schiano said the Bucs won't know the extent of Clayborn's injury until Monday, but fellow end Michael Bennett became emotional when talking about the early prognosis. "I lost one of my best friends on the team today, Adrian Clayborn, and I would give anything to get him back on the team,'' said Bennett, his eyes tearing up.

When Bennett began answering another question, he paused in mid-sentence and said he was too upset to continue. Clayborn was hurt as DT Gerald McCoy sacked Tony Romo for a 7-yard loss. He remained on the turf of Cowboys Stadium for several minutes before walking off slowly under his own power.

Clayborn led the Bucs with 7-1/2 sacks as a rookie last season. Tampa Bay lost Pro Bowl right guard Davin Joseph for the year with a knee injury in the preseason. "I'm praying for A.C.,'' Bucs LT Donald Penn said. "I hope he's alright. If he's not, it's going to be huge.''