The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made progress to compiling their practice squad for the 2008 season on Sunday. A day after being cut, running back Clifton Smith was signed to the Buccaneers practice squad.

"[Smith] built up a relationship with the veterans and the coaching staff, and Clifton is excited that he will be able to continue to work with those professionals," said Smith's agent Jason Dillard.

The Fresno State product Smith had a strong preseason for Tampa Bay, impressing during the organized team activities and in training camp. In four preseason contests, Smith rushed for 53 yards on 19 carries, had 91 receiving yards on 11 receptions, and led the Bucs with a 23.5 kick return average. Smith was the team leader in special teams tackles with five and made a fumble recovery.

According to the Tampa Tribune, wide receiver Brian Clark was signed to the practice squad on Sunday. Clark had a strong preseason as well. He hauled in five passes for 50 yards with one touchdown. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound Clark was a local Tampa product that went on to play at North Carolina State.

Yesterday linebacker Ryan Nece was one of the Buccaneers players that were cut in an effort to get down to the league-mandated 53-man roster limit. Nece was not on the market long as the Detroit Lions quickly signed him. Nece will be reunited with his former linebacker coach Joe Barry, who is Detroit's defensive coordinator. Along with Barry, Lions head coach Rod Marinelli and Jimmy Lake are former Buccaneer assistants that now are on the Lions staff.

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