The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick over the returning Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback for Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

While the Buccaneers have remained silent about their starting quarterback situation to date with Winston's return from suspension, it has been speculated for a while that Fitzpatrick has likely done enough to keep his spot.

Fitzpatrick led the Bucs to a 2-1 record while taking over for Winston, who was suspended for the first three weeks of the season. The veteran quarterback threw for over 400 yards in each of his first three games to go with 11 total touchdowns.

The Bucs’ winning run came to an end last Monday night as they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-27. Despite throwing for 411 yards with three touchdowns, Fitzpatrick also threw three costly interceptions. But even with Fitzpatrick's struggles against the Steelers, it should come as no surprise that he will stay on as the starter based on his overall body of work.

His numbers through three games are off the charts. He has also established quite a nice chemistry with his receivers, and it would be foolish of the Bucs to change things up unnecessarily. He has clearly made the most out of his opportunity to play and deserves to hang on to that starting spot for the time being.

Fitzpatrick will have his work cut out for him, though, as he faces a Khalil Mack and a formidable Bears defense which has produced a league-leading 14 sacks and 11 takeaways through three games. If Fitzpatrick falters once again, Bucks coach Dirk Koetter may have no choice but to bring Winston back in.