Defensive lineman Patrick Chukwurah, tight end Keith Heinrich, defensive lineman Marquies Gunn and linebacker Leon Joe were all released Thursday (June 19).

Coach Jon Gruden cancelled the final mandatory minicamp workout Thursday as a reward for the club's hard work during the offseason.

The Bucs must trim about 13 players to reach the 80-man roster limit by the start of training camp July 25. Still unknown is whether quarterback Chris Simms will be among the players released to achieve that goal.

--RB Earnest Graham made an appearance during the Bucs' mandatory minicamp, his first of the offseason.

Graham stopped short of a guarantee that he would report to training camp on time if talks have not produced a new deal by the July 25 reporting date.

"What has to be done sometimes has to be done," Graham said. "I'm here today for the mandatory (minicamp). We're going to break after this minicamp and all get ready for (training) camp. I'm doing the same thing I've always done. I'm working hard in the offseason and getting ready for camp. That other thing will take of itself.

"Right now, whatever our reporting date is, I'm going to be there. Like I say, hopefully something will get done before then. I won't say anything whether or not (I'll be there). I'm being optimistic about it. Like I say, I don't know."

--FB B.J. Askew wants to get more touches. Last season, Askew caught 18 passes for 175 yards and no touchdowns. His only rushing attempt was a three-yard gain in a loss to the Giants in the NFC wildcard game.

In his second season with the Bucs, coach Jon Gruden might be less hesitant to call Askew's number.

"It's something I've done my whole career. I feel real good about it," Askew said of his receiving skills. "The thing is, even in New York, in practices I'd get touches and stuff. But game time would come around and there just weren't enough balls to go around - which is fine. It's one of those things that if it happens, I'll be ready for it.

"I don't want to say anything. I'm here to block. Everything else is second."

--The Bucs cancelled the final workout of minicamp and won't reunite until July 25 when they report to training camp in Celebration, Fla. Gruden said he expects players to report in good shape.

"They know what to do," Gruden said. "They've got to take care of themselves, obviously. They've got to stay in shape, they've got to get some rest and at the same time, they've got to get away from it. Get rejuvenated. Remember, you're living in a glass house. Enjoy the time. Don't blow it. Come to training camp and showcase your stuff."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The way I approach things now is totally different because I know that one play could be it." - Bucs RB Cadillac Williams.

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