TAMPA - Former Gators receiver Jacquez Green was released by the Bucs on Tuesday, ending his second stint with the team that drafted him in 1998.
The Bucs also released left tackle Anthony Davis, bringing the roster to the league mandated 65 players. The Bucs have 10 extra players on the roster who have NFL Europe exemptions. The Bucs must cut the roster to 53 by 4 p.m. Sunday.
Green's release was not much of a surprise considering he was way down the depth chart on a team heavy with talented receivers.
With starters Keyshawn Johnson and Keenan McCardell and dependable backups Joe Jurevicius and Karl Williams taking the first four places, Green was in a logjam competition with Reggie Barlow, Charles Lee and Fabian Davis for the final spot.
Originally drafted in the second round (34th overall), Green enjoyed four decent seasons with the Bucs during which he had 157 receptions for 2,217 yards and seven touchdowns. He spent last season with the Redskins and Lions before signing with the Bucs on April 10.
THE GLOVED ONE: Quarterback Brad Johnson made waves in January when he played the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia with a glove. It was the first time in his career he had used one in a game.
The glove was back Tuesday.
"I wore it in about 10 below last year and it worked out well," said Johnson, who wore the right-handed glove for part of practice. "You never know what's going to happen in the course of the season so you want to get in some work with the glove."
The rubber glove, which keeps the ball in a tighter grip, also protects the fingers from extreme cold and slippery conditions.
"My center (John Wade), he does sweat a lot, and it's like playing in a thunderstorm every game with him," Johnson said. "You have to have the glove just in case."
WORTHWHILE GAME: Thursday's game against the Texans may mean nothing as far as the season is concerned, but it could prove a valuable learning tool early and again on Dec. 14 when the Texans come to Raymond James Stadium.
"They do certain things on defense that will really kind of affect our schemes three games in the course of the season," Johnson said. "So, it's kind of a good look for us to get on tape and identify some fronts. When the season happens, you won't have as much time to take your notes and then we can look back at this game, at least for me and a lot of the starters who will play one series and be out."
INJURY UPDATE: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp (turf toe) returned and "looked very good" and is expected to play Thursday, as is safety Dwight Smith (shoulder strain). Defensive end Ellis Wyms (ankle sprain) will not play. Defensive tackle Cleveland Pinkney (knee sprain) is questionable.
