Buccaneers release Peyton Hillis, promote Danny Noble

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released running back Peyton Hillis, according to Jenna Laine. The Buccaneers have promoted tight end Danny Noble from the practice squad to the active roster. Running back Jeff Demps remains off the roster with a roster exemption and will not play against the New England Patriots, unless he is activated this evening.

Peyton Hillis had no snaps the past two games, and with Doug Martin, Mike James and Brian Leonard the Bucs have plenty of depth at running back and almost none at tight end.

Tom Crabtree was listed as questionable on the injury report and gas missed the past two games with a high-ankle sprain. The Bucs have failed to get anything out of their tight ends in the passing game the past two weeks without Crabtree, and Noble's elevation may mean they will have to do without the veteran tight end for another game.