By ROY CUMMINGS
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

TAMPA - The Bucs have taken the field for their first minicamp workout and linebacker Barrett Ruud is among those participating in the early drills.

Ruud missed all of the team’s “voluntary’’ workouts but returned to Tampa for the Bucs Fanfest last weekend. He is negotiating a new contract and was unsure on Saturday whether he’d participate in the workouts this week.

Guard Arron Sears and QB Brian Griese are not present on the field. Sears has been dealing with some personal issues and missed all of the team’s “voluntary’’ workouts as well. He has more than likely been excused from these workouts.

Griese was negotiating his release at one point earlier this offseason and is not a part of the team’s plans for 2009. His absence from the minicamp should come as no surprise as the Bucs have been trying to trade him since before the draft.

Two other notes to pass along: defensive end Stylez G. White and wide receiver Sammie Stroughter are both on the field but neither participating in drills. White suffered scrapes, bumps and bruises when he was involved in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago and said shortly thereafter that he would likely stay off the field until training camp.
Stroughter missed some time during the voluntary workouts last week and is dealing with an undisclosed injury. He walked onto the field with trainer Todd Toriscelli. Stroughter is expected to be a big part of the battle for playing time at receiver come training camp.