Ruud's In, Sears, Griese Out At Buccaneers' Minicamp

Barrett Ruud is a good company man.

He showed up at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fanfest at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, signed autographs and greeted fans.

He showed up again for the Bucs on Tuesday at the start of the team's three-day mandatory mini-camp per confirmation in St. Petersburg Times reports.

While Ruud showed, starting guard Arron Sears and quarterback Brian Griese did not.

The Griese no-show was expected.

He is seeking his release from the Buccaneers but nothing has happened to date. There are four quarterbacks on the roster: Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown, Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson. No one on the Bucs staff has mentioned Griese when talking about the 2009 season plans.

The Sears situation continues to puzzle team observers.

Don't be surprised if the official stance on the Sears no-show is that he was "excused" from showing up at this camp.

This camp will go a long way to determine the 80 players the Buccaneers will take to training camp starting August 1.

Meanwhile, the search for depth at the wide receiver spot continues. Former Rams receiver Drew Bennett is in for a look as is former Seattle Seahawk and Carolina Panther wide out D.J. Hackett.

It would come as no surprise if Buccaneer management is keeping a close eye on the Brandon Marshall situation in Denver.

The Bucs, along with many other teams, would certainly like a shot at acquiring the star receiver.

Ruud's participation should send a message to management that it's time to work out a new deal for the defensive leader.