Bucs head coach Jon Gruden is not a fan of the new league rule that mandates all teams have a limit of 80 players that they can take to training camp. In an effort to get to that limit, the Bucs have released defensive end Patrick Chukwurah. The veteran’s agent, Ron Slavin, told Pewter Report that the release was a numbers issue with the Buccaneers having to get to the 80-man limit.

Chukwurah, 29, was the first player that the team signed in free agency in 2007. He received a signing bonus of $300,000. His 2008 salary was scheduled to be the same as his 2007 salary of $700,000. The 6-foot-1, 250-pounder played in nine games for the Bucs last season. He had 16 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, and 10 special teams tackles.

Per rotoworld.com, the Bucs have also released tight end Keith Heinrich, defensive end Marquis Gunn, and linebacker Leon Joe.

Pewter Report will have more reports of the expected Bucs roster cuts this week.

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