"Running back Derrick Ward's sluggish preseason has cost him a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster.

Ward was among three players released Tuesday as the Bucs reduced their roster to the 75-man limit. Also cut were linebacker John Alston and wide receiver Terrence Nunn.

Ward came to the Bucs as a free agent during the 2009 offseason, but never showed the form that made him a 1,000-yard rusher with the New York Giants in 2008.

Ward ran 114 times for 409 yards last season with the Bucs, but placed himself on the roster bubble with a lethargic 12-carry, 20-yard effort in the mud against Miami in the preseason opener."