Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released running back Derrick Ward.

Ward rushed for just 409 yards, with 20 receptions for 150 yards as a receiver in 2009, the first season of a four-year, $17 million contract he signed with the Buccaneers last off-season. Ward ran for 1,025 yards in 2008, adding 41 receptions for 384 yards during his final season with the New York Giants.

Ward struggled during the pre-season, gaining just 50 yards on 21 carries.

Buccaneers wide receiver Terrence Nunn and linebacker Jon Alston have been waived to get the Bucs to the 75-man roster limit.