The Facts: According to Next Level Media, the Buccaneers starting quarterback job could be veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick’s to lose. With Jameis Winston suspended the first three games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, general manager Jason Licht wouldn’t commit to Winston starting in Week 4. “I don’t think it’s fair to say right now that he’s going to be the guy,” Licht said while speaking on the Bucs’ broadcast on Thursday night on WFLA TV.
Diehards Line:Fitzpatrick, who turns 36 in November, won two of three starts filling in for an injured Winston in 2017. He is expected to lead the team against division rival New Orleans in Week 1, followed by games against Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The starter in Game 4 — a road game against the Bears at Soldier Field — is anyone’s guess. Licht said the team’s start will be among the factors that could help the team choose a quarterback.