San Diego, CA -- (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers claimed running back Michael Bennett off waivers following his release by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier Wednesday.

Bennett had signed a multi-year deal with the Bucs following last season but was released to make room for Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, who was activated off the physically unable to perform list.

Acquired from Kansas City in a trade last October after Williams was hurt, Bennett ran for 201 yards in 13 games but this season had just 12 yards on seven carries. The emergence of Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn as a running tandem this season allowed the rarely-used Bennett to become expendable.

The 5-foot-9, 207-pounder was taken with the 27th overall pick in the 2001 Draft by Minnesota, and played five seasons with the Vikings, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2002 with 1,296 yards. He then spent a season and a half with the Chiefs, where he occupied the backup role behind running back Larry Johnson.

The Wisconsin product and eighth-year pro brings a career-average of 4.4 yards per carry with 3,627 yards and 13 touchdowns in 94 games -- 50 starts -- adding 1,220 yards on 151 receptions with six scores.

To make room on the active roster, San Diego released linebacker Derek Smith.