Rice passes physical with Andrews

Defensive end Simeon Rice, released by the Bucs for failing a physical, said he passed a battery of exams administered by renowned orthopedist Dr. James  Andrews in Pensacola last weekend and has been cleared to play this season.

"With flying colors," Rice said by telephone Tuesday.

Rice said in addition to a physical exam, Andrews performed X-rays and an MRI on his surgically repaired left shoulder.

"It was all 100 percent," Rice said. "Dr. Andrews said, 'What kind of physical did you take down there?' I told him they just checked for my mobility in the shoulder and said I failed. He said, 'They didn't even test you for any kind of structure in the shoulder?'"

Rice said he was asked by Bucs general manager Bruce Allen to take a pay cut of $2.5-million from his $7.25-million salary. When Rice refused, he was released.

Rice was in New York and scheduled to dine with members of the Giants' front office Tuesday evening. He is expected to undergo a physical Wednesday.

"I can do everything. I'm clear," Rice said.

However, Rice said he does not intend to rush his decision. He also has received interest from the Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans.

Bucs make cuts

The Bucs' first cuts weren't the deepest.

Tampa Bay released 13 players and placed quarterback Luke McCown on the reserve Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he cannot return for at least six weeks.

The only players of note that were given pink slips were Tampa native J.R. Russell, the Louisville receiver who spent the first 11 games in 2005 on the active roster; and cornerback  Justin Phinisee, the only of 10 draft picks this year to be released.

Also waived were quartrerback Jared Allen, kicker Xavier Beitia, fullback Robert Douglas, defensive end/longsnapper Jordan Hicks, tight end Matt Kranchick, running back Jacque Lewis, defensive end Kevin Lewis, center Daniel Martz, receiver Derek McCoy, punter Brian Simnjanovsk and linebacker Jermaine Taylor.

The moves enabled the Bucs to reach the NFL's-mandated 75-man roster limit Tuesday. Another round of cuts will come Saturday when team's must get down to the 53-man limit for the regular season.

McCown, who is recovering from a torn ACL, will be eligible to return to practice after the Bucs' fifth game. The team will have 21 days to determine whether to activate, release or place McCown on injured reserve.   

-- RICK STROUD

"Coach wants to see you -- and bring your playbook"

A few poor souls will hear those dreaded words on Tuesday as the Bucs and the rest of the NFL trim rosters to 75 players.

Though most of these cuts will be players who were never expected to make the team, each player who is waived is one whose career will suddenly be in flux. Some will quit football altogether. But the overwhelming majority will keep chasing their dream, whether it be in the NFL, CFL or Europe. Some will find their way into some other team's camp, maybe a practice squad, but they will be the lucky ones.

On Saturday, it'll get even harder. That's when the NFL mandates that rosters be cut to 53 players in the final cut. The Bucs have some tough choices in front of them. Do they keep an extra tight end or an extra receiver? Do they need more depth at linebacker or fullback?

Now, here's your chance to be part of the blog: have a favorite borderline guy you're rooting for? Maybe you'd love to see Paris Warren on the regular season roster, or perhaps you like Antoine Cash's hustle. Click on the comment tab below and let us know.