Buccaneers release Hillis

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released running back Peyton Hillis.

Hillis, a former seventh-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 2008, broke out in 2010 when he rushed for 1,177 yards with 11 touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns.

He made the cover of the Madden NFL video game the following season but his popularity faded after a disappointing 2011 in which he rushed for just 587 yards in 10 games.

After getting released by Cleveland, he spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played 13 games but totaled just 309 yards on the ground. He then signed with the Buccaneers in the offseason.

Hillis did not play Tampa Bay's first two games. After starter Doug Martin, the Buccaneers also have Brian Leonard and Mike James as backups.