Bucs release Pro Bowler Smith

As an elite return specialist, Clifton Smith was always a challenge to bring down in the open field.

But Tampa Bay's third-year running back was blindsided by injuries in the past year and the Buccaneers released the former Pro Bowler on Sunday during a flurry of transactions.

Smith, 25, survived Saturday's cutdown to 53 players but he was released along with rookie tackle Derek Hardman as Tampa Bay claimed two players off waivers - Patriots center/guard Ted Larsen and Packers running back Kregg Lumpkin.

The Bucs also said three players who were released Saturday - tight end Ryan Purvis, defensive end George Johnson and safety Vince Anderson - are now members of the practice squad.

The Bucs are expected to add the other five players to their practice squad today.

Smith came out of nowhere to make the NFC Pro Bowl roster after joining the Bucs as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State in 2008. He suffered two concussions last season, but still led the NFL with an average of 29.1 yards per kickoff return.

After signing a one-year tender in May as an exclusive rights free agent, Smith was hampered by pain in his right knee this summer.

He was eventually diagnosed with gout, preventing him from practicing much during training camp. Smith fumbled on his first preseason kick return and gained only 3 yards on seven carries in two exhibition games.

Smith was one of five running backs who survived Saturday's cutdown, but Lumpkin, who spent the last two years with Green Bay, is considered a better blocker and Smith was deemed expendable.

Wide receiver Micheal Spurlock is expected to assume the bulk of Smith's return duties as the Bucs prepare for Sunday's season opener against the Browns.

"You don't want to see guys get cut, but it's the nature of this business," said Spurlock, whose 77-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at New Orleans in December sparked the Bucs to a stunning victory. "You can never be too comfortable in the NFL. I just come to work every day and thank God I didn't get cut. I'm going to keep working hard and hopefully keep my name out of those conversations."

Spurlock and free agent Preston Parker are two of seven wide receivers still on the roster. After averaging 11.1 yards per punt return and 23.5 yards on kickoff returns during the preseason, Parker experienced a stressful Saturday on the bubble.

"I was watching every minute on the clock until the announcement," Parker said. "I was a little nervous, but they made a good decision."

Larsen was a standout prep player at Palm Harbor University and competed at defensive tackle until switching to center in his junior season at North Carolina State. At 6-foot-2 and 304 pounds, Larsen also has the bulk to play guard and that versatility led New England to select him in the sixth round of the 2010 draft.