Roster

Tampa Bay RB Clifton Smith did little on offense Sunday against San Diego with one carry for 2 yards and one catch for 9 yards. He did play well on special teams with seven kickoff returns for 205.1 yards and one punt return for 8 yards.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Aqib Talib apologized to teammates Thursday for a helmet-swinging incident that marred one of the club's voluntary offseason workouts. The second-year pro said he and offensive tackle Donald Penn "let our emotions get the best of us" during a closed practice Wednesday. Talib swung his helmet at Penn and struck cornerback Torrie Cox instead. Cox, who was acting as a peacemaker, was cut on the face and received stitches. "A small altercation that kind of got bigger than we wanted it to be," said Talib, a first-round draft pick in 2008 who also clashed with a teammate at the NFL rookie symposium last year. "I've definitely got to work on it," the 23-year-old said, adding he was relieved that Cox wasn't hurt worse. Coach Raheem Morris said the matter would be handled internally, though Talib said the entire team ran as punishment Thursday.

The St. Petersburg Times reports Tampa Bay running backs coach Steve Logan said RBs Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward will split carries this year. "I think Earnest, everybody, the fans and coaches know what Earnest is and what he can do," Logan said. "I think Derrick is going to give us a good change of pace from Earnest. Earnest has a lot of power and is very quick in short spaces. I think Derrick has a little more speed, for lack of a better word, and might give us a little bit more plays outside the tackles. I see a nice complement between those two."

The Buccaneers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: K Shane Andrus, CB Kyle Arrington, DT Chris Bradwell, CB Greg Fassitt, DE Louis Holmes, LB Jamall Johnson, DT Dre Moore and TE Jason Pociask.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed receiver Maurice Stovall on injured reserve and promoted receivers Brian Clark and Chad Lucas from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday. Stovall, a second-year pro who had 10 receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown this season, broke his right arm during last Sunday's 21-19 loss at San Francisco. The Bucs released tight end Keith Heinrich from the active roster, then signed Heinrich and receiver Julius McClellan to the practice squad.

The Houston Texans released veteran linebacker Rosevelt Colvin and 20 other players Friday, the day before NFL teams must set their 53-man rosters. Also released Friday was veteran safety Glenn Earl, who started 15 games in 2006 but missed all of last season with a fractured foot, and defensive tackle Anthony Maddox, who spent the last two seasons with the team. Other players released were fullback Jon Abbate, quarterbacks Shane Boyd and Alex Brink, linebackers Kevis Coley and Ben Moffitt, center Greg Eslinger, cornerbacks Jamar Fletcher, Derrick Roberson and Dexter Wynn, receivers Darnell Jenkins, LeRon McCoy and Mark Simmons, tight end Ryan Krause, defensive linemen Gabe Long and Jesse Nading, running back Marcel Shipp and tackle Torrin Tucker.

The Buccaneers found help for a depleted linebacker corps, signing free agent Angelo Crowell. Crowell, who missed all of 2008 because of a knee injury, was a third-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2003. Two years ago, he had the best season of his career, finishing 2007 with a team-leading 140 tackles, two sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. The 27-year-old is joining a defense that's being overhauled after the release last month of starting linebackers Derrick Brooks and Cato June. He has started 41 of 65 career games and is expected to compete with Quincy Black and Adam Hayward for playing time at strongside linebacker.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

The St. Petersburg Times reports that veteran QB Brian Griese, who is likely unhappy with all the additions the club has made at the quarterback spot, is going to skip the club's voluntary minicamp this week. Rookie Josh Freeman, free-agent addition Byron Leftwich, second-year passer Josh Johnson and young vet Luke McCown are jockeying for position along the QB depth chart; Griese is expected to be the odd man out.

The Buccaneers drafted Texas DT Roy Miller with a third-round pick, bolstering their depth along the defensive line. Miller is a big-bodied interior guy who has the potential to start for the Bucs later on this season.

Tampa Bay DL Gaines Adams had two tackles and played Sunday against San Diego despite dealing with an ankle injury during the week.

The Indianapolis Star reports the Colts have finalized their roster down to 53 players Saturday. Among the cuts were RB Chad Simpson, WRs Devin Aromashodu, Onrea Jones and Sam Giguere, DLs Joe Bradley, Jeff Charleston, Dan Davis, Colin Ferrell and Ben Ishola, DBs Brannon Condren and Brandon Foster, TE Tyrice Thompson and LBs Victor Worsley and Kyle Shotwell.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they have signed DE Kyle Moore and CB E.J. Biggers to four-year contracts. Moore was selected in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California. In 2008, he was named an All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention. Moore registered 9.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including a career-high and team-leading five sacks last season. Biggers was selected in the seventh round (217th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. In 2008, he was named to the All-MAC second team. Biggers was a three-year starter in college and finished his career with seven interceptions and 134 total tackles.

The Buccaneers listed QB Brian Griese, WR Dexter Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, RB Noah Herron, DB Donte Nicholson, LB Matt McCoy and DL Jovan Haye among their inactives for Week 14 at Carolina.

Buccaneers DL Jimmy Wilkerson tallied a pair of sacks in a Week 12 win over the Lions. He now has four on the season and three in his last two games.

With Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard gone, the Bucs plan to start Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton at WR this season, according to the Tampa Tribune. Playing behind those guys is up in the air. Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann said Maurice Stovall and Brian Clark are the leading candidates for more playing time when he was asked on Tuesday. "Those spots have to be filled," Mann said. "We got a lot of guys in contention for that position. Mo is one of them. If he stays healthy, Mo has always looked good since he's been here. It's just that he gets hurt and it goes down the tube, but it's been legit injuries. If we can keep him healthy, he might have a shot to be in one of those two places. Right now BC is looking OK. Again, I haven't seen BC play in a lot of games, but I think a lot of that is because he had to wait his turn. ... Now BC's time has come. Now it's time to step up and grab one of those spots and right now I think he's on schedule." Mann said receiver Dexter Jackson has shown signs of progress, but still needs to evolve. Mann also said rookies Amarri Jackson and Pat Carter have shown impressive work ethics, while Sammie Stroughter has also caught his eye. He also thinks Kelly Campbell has potential, but Mann needs to see more of him now and during training camp.

Tampa Bay's Ronde Barber and Davin Joseph were added to the NFC Pro Bowl squad on Tuesday, replacing Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson and Dallas guard Leonard Davis. It's the fifth selection for Barber, who had four interceptions and extended his consecutive games streak to 176 this season. It will be the first trip to the annual all-star game for Joseph, the Buccaneers' first-round draft pick in 2006. "Throughout my career I have been fortunate to be on some great teams and my selection to the Pro Bowl is further evidence of that," Barber said.

With Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard gone, the Bucs plan to start Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton at WR this season, according to the Tampa Tribune. Playing behind those guys is up in the air. Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann said Maurice Stovall and Brian Clark are the leading candidates for more playing time when he was asked on Tuesday. "Those spots have to be filled," Mann said. "We got a lot of guys in contention for that position. Mo is one of them. If he stays healthy, Mo has always looked good since he's been here. It's just that he gets hurt and it goes down the tube, but it's been legit injuries. If we can keep him healthy, he might have a shot to be in one of those two places. Right now BC is looking OK. Again, I haven't seen BC play in a lot of games, but I think a lot of that is because he had to wait his turn. ... Now BC's time has come. Now it's time to step up and grab one of those spots and right now I think he's on schedule." Mann said receiver Dexter Jackson has shown signs of progress, but still needs to evolve. Mann also said rookies Amarri Jackson and Pat Carter have shown impressive work ethics, while Sammie Stroughter has also caught his eye. He also thinks Kelly Campbell has potential, but Mann needs to see more of him now and during training camp.

The Buccaneers listed WR Dexter Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, RB Noah Herron, LB Matt McCoy and DL Chris Hovan among their inactives for Week 15 at Atlanta.

High-priced defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson is among six players cut by the Denver Broncos. Robertson, acquired last offseason from the New York Jets, was set to count $16 million against the team's $123 million cap. Also released Monday by new GM Brian Xanders were linebackers Niko Koutouvides ($3.06 million) and Jamie Winborn ($2.25 million), safety Marquand Manuel ($1.33 million), defensive end John Engelberger ($2.18 million) and tight end Nate Jackson (less than $1 million).

The Bucs listed their inactives for Week 7 at Detroit, which includes TE Alex Smith, QB Luke McCown (3rd QB), DB Brian Kelly, RB Michael Pittman, LB Patrick Chukwurah and LB Adam Hayward.

The Tampa Tribune reports that Bucs CB Torrie Cox hurt his knee in camp Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season. Cox was a standout on special teams.

The St. Petersburg Times reports Tampa Bay running backs coach Steve Logan said RBs Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward will split carries this year. "I think Earnest, everybody, the fans and coaches know what Earnest is and what he can do," Logan said. "I think Derrick is going to give us a good change of pace from Earnest. Earnest has a lot of power and is very quick in short spaces. I think Derrick has a little more speed, for lack of a better word, and might give us a little bit more plays outside the tackles. I see a nice complement between those two."

Ankle - Probable for start of training camp

The Buccaneers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: K Shane Andrus, CB Kyle Arrington, DT Chris Bradwell, CB Greg Fassitt, DE Louis Holmes, LB Jamall Johnson, DT Dre Moore and TE Jason Pociask.

The Buccaneers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: K Shane Andrus, CB Kyle Arrington, DT Chris Bradwell, CB Greg Fassitt, DE Louis Holmes, LB Jamall Johnson, DT Dre Moore and TE Jason Pociask.

Receiver Cortez Hankton re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. Hankton, who joined the Bucs in January 2008, was placed on injured reserve in August and missed all of last season. In five seasons, he has played in 46 games with one start, all with Jacksonville.

The St. Petersburg Times reports that Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik envisions rookie QB Josh Freeman to be the team's long-term option and not a guy to throw into the fire right away this season. Additionally, he says the QB battle between veterans Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown to be a good one, calling it "wide open" and adding that the competition is still ongoing with a winner possibly being named after the preseason. "The important thing about what they did in the OTA's as a group is that they got a foundation of the offense and showed an ability to grasp it mentally and then go out and operate it on the field. That's why we're anxious to put the pads on and see how they do in the (preseason) games," Dominik said.

According to the Dolphins' team site, DB Will Allen took over on the practice field Wednesday morning once the players were chased inside the bubble due to weather. The cornerback frustrated quarterbacks Josh McCown and Chad Henne and wide receiver Derek Hagan with his tight coverage and play-making ability.

The Buccaneers have listed the inactives for their Week 17 game vs. Oakland. Not in uniform will be: QB Brian Griese, WR Dexter Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, LB Rod Wilson, WR Brian Clark, LB Patrick Chukwurah and DT Greg Peterson.

The following Buccaneers players did not record any statistics in Week 6 vs. Carolina: WR Dexter Jackson, LS Andrew Economos and WR Maurice Stovall.

With Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard gone, the Bucs plan to start Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton at WR this season, according to the Tampa Tribune. Playing behind those guys is up in the air. Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann said Maurice Stovall and Brian Clark are the leading candidates for more playing time when he was asked on Tuesday. "Those spots have to be filled," Mann said. "We got a lot of guys in contention for that position. Mo is one of them. If he stays healthy, Mo has always looked good since he's been here. It's just that he gets hurt and it goes down the tube, but it's been legit injuries. If we can keep him healthy, he might have a shot to be in one of those two places. Right now BC is looking OK. Again, I haven't seen BC play in a lot of games, but I think a lot of that is because he had to wait his turn. ... Now BC's time has come. Now it's time to step up and grab one of those spots and right now I think he's on schedule." Mann said receiver Dexter Jackson has shown signs of progress, but still needs to evolve. Mann also said rookies Amarri Jackson and Pat Carter have shown impressive work ethics, while Sammie Stroughter has also caught his eye. He also thinks Kelly Campbell has potential, but Mann needs to see more of him now and during training camp.

Back - Questionable for start of training camp

The St. Petersburg Times reports Matt Bryant might be out of a job soon. The signing of Mike Nugent in March was a surprise given Bryant's consistency with the Bucs since 2005. But Nugent is younger (27) than Bryant (33) and arguably has more range, though Bryant has been slightly more consistent. One of Bryant's issues the past couple of seasons is his tendency toward short kickoffs. That has cost the Bucs field position. Once training camp arrives, they will square off in competition.

Buccaneers RB Jameel Cook, WR Brian Clark, TE John Gilmore and TE Alex Smith didn't record offensive statistics Week 16 against San Diego.

The Raiders placed TE Ben Troupe on injured reserve with a foot injury Wednesday and signed LB Robert Thomas to take his spot on the roster.

The Vikings have signed members of their practice squad to reserve/futures contracts. Those players include: WRs Joel Filani, Martin Nance and Justin Surrency, CB Dee McCann and RB Arkee Whitlock.

Authorities say the girlfriend of Buccaneers linebacker Geno Hayes stabbed him in the head and in the neck. A Hillsborough County Sheriff's spokeswoman says Hayes was taken to a hospital by a friend Saturday. The 21-year-old former Florida State player was treated and later released. Deputies arrested 19-year-old Shevelle Bagley on Saturday afternoon. The sheriff's spokeswoman says Hayes and Bagley got into an argument, which led to Bagley grabbing a pair of scissors and stabbing Hayes in the head. He managed to get the scissors away from her, but authorities say she then grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the neck. Bagley was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Jail records show she was released Sunday on $25,000 bail.

Following their Week 15 loss at Atlanta, the Buccaneers lost strong safety Jermaine Phillips for the season with a broken right forearm. This is his third broken forearm in his career and the second this season (he broke his left forearm earlier in the year).

The St. Petersburg Times reports that Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik envisions rookie QB Josh Freeman to be the team's long-term option and not a guy to throw into the fire right away this season. This all but suggests that Freeman will start the season on the bench while veterans Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown battle for the starting job. No one has been a clear-cut favorite through the offseason minicamps. "The ultimate goal is to let Josh Freeman sit back and learn," Dominik said. "I still think he's a 21-year-old quarterback who came out as a true junior. You'd like for him to grow and mature into his role and not be forced into it."

The Buccaneers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: K Shane Andrus, CB Kyle Arrington, DT Chris Bradwell, CB Greg Fassitt, DE Louis Holmes, LB Jamall Johnson, DT Dre Moore and TE Jason Pociask.

The Buccaneers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: K Shane Andrus, CB Kyle Arrington, DT Chris Bradwell, CB Greg Fassitt, DE Louis Holmes, LB Jamall Johnson, DT Dre Moore and TE Jason Pociask.

Tight end Jerramy Stevens re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, keeping the big short-area receiver with the club. Stevens originally signed with Tampa Bay in 2007 after spending the first five years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. He had 36 receptions for 397 yards and two touchdowns last season and has 184 career catches for 2,044 yards and 21 TDs.

Tampa Bay DL Greg White had two tackles Sunday against San Diego.

Buccaneers DB Ronde Barber led his team in Week 4 with six tackles as Tampa Bay defeated the Packers. Also helping out were: DB Elbert Mack (three tackles), DB Philip Buchanon (three tackles) and DB Jermaine Phillips (two tackles, fumble recovery).

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they have signed DE Kyle Moore and CB E.J. Biggers to four-year contracts. Moore was selected in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California. In 2008, he was named an All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention. Moore registered 9.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including a career-high and team-leading five sacks last season. Biggers was selected in the seventh round (217th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. In 2008, he was named to the All-MAC second team. Biggers was a three-year starter in college and finished his career with seven interceptions and 134 total tackles.

Buccaneers DB Tanard Jackson had a sack -- his first -- and seven tackles, including six solo, Week 15 at Atlanta. He also forced a fumble.

The Bucs inactives for Week 16 against San Diego include QB Brian Griese (3rd), WR Dexter Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, LB Matt McCoy, LB Rod Wilson, LB Patrick Chukwurah and DT Greg Peterson.

The Bucs inactives for Week 9 against Arizona include DL Greg Spires, QB Luke McCown (3rd QB), RB Michael Pittman, LB Jeremiah Trotter, LB Patrick Chukwurah, LB Quincy Black and WR Michael Clayton.

The Buccaneers announced Friday that they have signed WR Sammie Stroughter. Terms were not disclosed. Stroughter was selected in the seventh round (233rd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Oregon State University. He was named to the Pac-10 First Team in 2008 and the Pac-10 Second Team and AP All-American Third Team in 2006. With the Beavers, Stroughter recorded the third-most career receptions (164) and yards (2,653) and the fourth-most career all-purpose yards (4,299) in Oregon State history.

The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs QB Josh Johnson still believes he can compete for the starting job even though the team has Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich and rookie Josh Freeman seemingly ahead of him on the depth chart. "If you're good enough, which I feel I am, and if you work hard, which I feel I do, it'll all work out in the end. I'm not really stressing it too much," Johnson said Wednesday as the Bucs wrapped a two-day set of offseason workouts. "You can't control what goes on upstairs. You can only control what goes on on the field."

The Buccaneers re-signed DT Ryan Sims on Wednesday.

The big contract Michael Clayton signed three months ago isn't the only reason the sixth-year pro is excited to still be wearing the uniform of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. An underachiever who fell out of favor with former coach Jon Gruden, the wide receiver anticipates playing a significant role in a system being installed by incoming offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. The former No. 1 draft pick flourished as a rookie, with 80 receptions for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns - all records for a first-year player in Tampa Bay. His production declined sharply after 2004, though, and he has only scored two TDs since his first year. Injuries were a factor, but so was Gruden losing confidence in the 26-year-old, who dropped passes in key situations and struggled to keep his starting job. Clayton welcomes the chance for a fresh beginning under new coach Raheem Morris. "He hasn't lived up to your expectations," Morris said, shrugging off questions about the 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver being a disappointment for much of his career. "The reason we signed him back is because he lived up to ours. If you go look at receivers pound for pound in the league and talk about blocking downfield and creating big plays, putting their face on people and being tough, that's Michael Clayton."

The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs TE Kellen Winslow, who missed his new team's first five "voluntary" workouts, was back on the field Tuesday, and he says his plan is to be here through the remainder of the offseason program. "They're very important," Winslow said. "They are voluntary, but they're really not voluntary. You do need to be here, and I wish I could have been here. I just couldn't." Winslow didn't elaborate but said he had some personal and family matters to attend to while the team was practicing. It is believed he was delayed in moving his family from San Diego.

The Ravens have waived the following players Saturday: TE Adam Bergen, QB Casey Bramlet, DL Darrell Campbell, WR Patrick Carter, DT Amon Gordon, WR Justin Harper, RB Alex Haynes, TE Keith Heinrich, LB Robert McCune, RB Allen Patrick, CB Ronnie Prude, LB Gary Stills, WR Ernie Wheelwright, DL Lorenzo Williams and WR Matt Willis. The Ravens have also placed the following players on Injured Reserve: DB David Pittman and RB Cory Ross.

The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs WR Antonio Bryant, who led Tampa Bay last year with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns, is ready to pick up where last season left off. Bryant had 26 receptions for 512 yards and four touchdowns in December. "I've got a lot to prove," Bryant said. "Last year was for the haters ... this year is for the doubters. When you have a year like that, you're going to get more attention. This year, it might not be about me getting the ball. If that means Antonio has to run 89 comebacks and that'll get us in the playoffs, then I'll run 89 comebacks."

The St. Petersburg Times reports Bucs RB Cadillac Williams continues to battle back from a second torn patellar tendon and maintains his intent is to return in time for training camp. "I'm doing lateral movement, I'm doing cutting — I'm pretty much full speed," he said. "But at the same time, you have to be careful. My goal is to be strapped up on Aug. 1."

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

With Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard gone, the Bucs plan to start Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton at WR this season, according to the Tampa Tribune. Playing behind those guys is up in the air. Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann said Maurice Stovall and Brian Clark are the leading candidates for more playing time when he was asked on Tuesday. "Those spots have to be filled," Mann said. "We got a lot of guys in contention for that position. Mo is one of them. If he stays healthy, Mo has always looked good since he's been here. It's just that he gets hurt and it goes down the tube, but it's been legit injuries. If we can keep him healthy, he might have a shot to be in one of those two places. Right now BC is looking OK. Again, I haven't seen BC play in a lot of games, but I think a lot of that is because he had to wait his turn. ... Now BC's time has come. Now it's time to step up and grab one of those spots and right now I think he's on schedule." Mann said receiver Dexter Jackson has shown signs of progress, but still needs to evolve. Mann also said rookies Amarri Jackson and Pat Carter have shown impressive work ethics, while Sammie Stroughter has also caught his eye. He also thinks Kelly Campbell has potential, but Mann needs to see more of him now and during training camp.

Buccaneers RB Jameel Cook, WR Brian Clark, TE John Gilmore and TE Alex Smith didn't record offensive statistics Week 16 against San Diego.

The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports Bucs QB Luke McCown is excited about the competition for the starting job with Byron Leftwich and rookie Josh Freeman. McCown has only started seven games in a five-year career that started with Cleveland in 2004. "I think the competition, the atmosphere that (coach) Raheem (Morris) has created is going to be good for our team, make everyone play harder, better," McCown said. "I'm going into my sixth year with only seven starts. I've got a lot of football in me, just not on the field. I've got an opportunity this year to compete to be the starter. My first goal is to do just that - win the competition, be the guy on the field every down, every game and do everything in my power to help my team win."

Tampa Bay FB B.J. Askew had one carry for 1 yard and a touchdown and one catch for 5 yards Sunday against San Diego.

Another new option for playing time in Dallas is fullback Zack Crockett, who was claimed off waivers from the Bucs Wednesday. He practiced Thursday with the Cowboys and said he's ready to go -- on offense, special teams or anywhere else -- Week 16 against the Panthers. "I'm cramming, learning the system as fast as I possibly can learn it," he said. "I'll be ready if my number is called." Crockett was let go by Tampa Bay, which used him in only one game this season. This is the first season since 1999 he hasn't been a weekly fixture. All those were with Oakland; he started nine games last year.

The St. Petersburg Times reports Matt Bryant might be out of a job soon. The signing of Mike Nugent in March was a surprise given Bryant's consistency with the Bucs since 2005. But Nugent is younger (27) than Bryant (33) and arguably has more range, though Bryant has been slightly more consistent. One of Bryant's issues the past couple of seasons is his tendency toward short kickoffs. That has cost the Bucs field position. Once training camp arrives, they will square off in competition.

After a futile attempt to accelerate progress toward a contract extension with the Buccaneers, LB Barrett Ruud is back on the practice field with his teammates. The fifth-year pro skipped all 14 of the club's voluntary offseason workouts, however he's participating in this week's mandatory minicamp that wraps up the squad's preparation for the start of training camp on July 31. "I was hoping to sort of speed things along a little bit," Rudd said. Rudd is scheduled to earn about $1.6 million this fall in the final season of a contract he signed as a rookie in 2005. He's led the Bucs in tackles the past two years and is the club's lone returning starter at linebacker. "I'd like to be here for a long time. I've really enjoyed the organization. It's a first-class organization and a great community, and I like my teammates," Ruud said. "In that respect, I am disappointed things haven't progressed."

The Buccaneers have listed the inactives for their Week 17 game vs. Oakland. Not in uniform will be: QB Brian Griese, WR Dexter Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, LB Rod Wilson, WR Brian Clark, LB Patrick Chukwurah and DT Greg Peterson.

The Buccaners are planning to move Jermaine Phillips from strong safety to linebacker this year. The team was thin at linebacker and figure they can capitalize on Phillips' aggressive play on the weakside. "I think I'm improving, but I still have a long, long way to go," Phillips told the Tampa Tribune. "I won't be comfortable with it until I know it. In certain areas, I've excelled. In others, I'm not where I need to be, but wherever this team needs me, that's where I'll be."