Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Derrick Ward had a successful return to Tuesday's practice, saying he feels "100-percent' after a foot sprain kept him out of practice for several days.

Ward, one  of the Bucs biggest offseason acquisitions, actually had one of the better runs of the day, coming at the end of practice.

"It felt great," Ward said. "I'm a little winded - have got to get used to this heat. But it's good to be back."

Ward was part of a talented one-two punch in the backfield with the Giants (joining Brandon Jacobs as a1,000 yard rusher), and says he's confident the group the Bucs have - including Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham and Clifton Smith - will be successful as well.

"When game time comes, I think it'll work out well," Ward said. "We proved last year with the Giants, it can work with three backs. so we'll see how we incorporate it here."

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com