Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston may not have his starting spot ready and waiting for him when he returns from his three-game suspension to start the season.
Per Jenna Lane of ESPN, Bucs general manager Jason Licht said on the team’s TV broadcast on WFLA TV that “I don't think it's fair to say right now that he's going to be the guy.”
Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick has been slated to start in Winston’s three-game absence. He will face the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football in Week 3.
Licht cited the short week in Week 4 and momentum as factors that will play a part in his and head coach Dirk Koetter’s decision-making process.
“[If] Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Griffin, whoever it is, is playing lights out, I don't think it's fair right now just to say, ‘Yes, automatically, [Jameis] is going to be the guy,'” Licht said. “Now, he may be. Dirk and I — Dirk in particular — he's got some time to think about that.”
Winston looked impressive in his preseason performances. He went 30-of-41 for 388 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three outings. He had a particularly terrific game against the Titans as he went 13-of-18 for 226 yards and two TDs.
It’s understandable for Licht to avoid committing much earlier than he needs to. A lot of things can still happen between now and Winston’s return in Week 4. It only makes sense for the team to keep their options open just in case something unexpected comes up.
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