The Buccaneers have released running back Derrick Ward. "After practice today we were able to notify Mr. Ward," coach Raheem Morris said. "It's just like any other profession when it is time for you to depart. It's not a surprise anytime in our profession anytime we tell you to go -- can't say you're surprised. You have every day to go out there and prove yourself." Tampa Bay signed Ward to a big free-agent deal prior to the 2009 season after he rushed for 1,025 yards with the Giants in 2008.