Tampa Bay Buccaneers release backup offensive lineman Sean Mahan

TAMPA — The Bucs envision their offensive line starters working together for many seasons to come.

But when it comes to the backups, no one is prepared to make any promises.

Tampa Bay on Wednesday released backup G/C Sean Mahan, replacing the veteran on the roster with Raiders castoff Marcus Johnson, a guard drafted by Minnesota in the second round in 2005. Mahan, the team's only experienced backup lineman, was traded to Tampa Bay from Pittsburgh in 2008. Tampa Bay drafted him in the fifth round in 2003 and he went on to become a starter at guard.

His departure leaves the Bucs with mostly unheralded rookies and a couple of journeymen behind their well-regarded starters. Center is of particular concern, where Mahan was the primary backup for Jeff Faine.

Coach Raheem Morris identified Jonathan Compas as an option for backup center. He was claimed off waivers from the Raiders on Tuesday. Other possibilities include undrafted Iowa product Rob Bruggeman and former USF player Marc Dile. Both are considered long shots to make the final roster.

Other backups along the line include rookie fifth-round pick Xavier Fulton, James Lee and Demar Dotson. None has meaningful NFL experience.

"I didn't know a lot of them at the beginning of training camp," Morris said. "They've all worked hard. The young guys have actually stepped up, which gives you the confidence to release a guy like Sean Mahan."

Morris said a week gives coaches enough time to "figure out whether you want to hang onto a guy. We have to play with the bottom of the roster for a while here. It may carry into the season for us."

That's an indication the Bucs will be active in pursuing players released by other clubs.

Mahan's $1.6 million base salary this season likely factored into the decision. The Bucs, who asked him to restructure his contract in the spring, said they were not impressed with his preseason performance.

Arron Sears, a two-year starter at left guard, has been unable to join the team for months because of personal issues and is no closer to returning.

INJURY UPDATE: WRs Antonio Bryant (knee) and Michael Clayton (hamstring) returned to practice after missing Tuesday. Morris said LB Adam Hayward (ankle) and TE John Gilmore (calf) will not play against Houston on Friday.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Morris, asked how LBs Barrett and Bo Ruud are performing together, deadpanned, "They won't play together (Friday). I promise you that." Barrett, the leader of the defense, likely won't play in the preseason finale to avoid injury. He was joined by his younger brother on the roster last week. Bo has an outside chance of making the final roster.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com