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