Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback Jameis Winston will miss the first three games of the 2018 season due to a suspension. Once he returns in Week 4, he might be looking at a backup spot according to Buccaneers’ general manager Jason Licht.
During an appearance on WFLA TV, Licht said that the team isn’t 100 percent committed to Winston as a starter immediately after he comes back. His status will depend on the performances of their other quarterbacks, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Griffin.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say right now that he’s going to be the guy.” – said Licht. “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.’ Now, he may be. Dirk and I — Dirk in particular — he’s got some time to think about that.“
On the other hand, Jameis Winston is doing everything in his power to show the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he is indeed “the guy.” He is coming off his most successful preseason, in which he completed 73 percent of his passes (30-of-41) and had 388 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. The 24-year-old also finished the preseason with 126.9 passer rating, which ranks him fourth among all quarterback during that period.
“I’m just going to work my tail off,” – said Winston before leaving Buccaneers’ facilities to begin serving his suspension. “Who knows how things will go? Hopefully, they go great. I know it’s going to be a tough situation for our coaches, but I just want to get back with my team. That’s out of my control. I’ve just got to get back and work hard and make sure I’m ready for Week 4.“
The possibility of Jameis Winston staying on the bench after Week 4 isn’t that big, especially when you look at his competition. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 17 out of 28 passes in the four preseason games, having 183 passing yards and no touchdowns. Ryan Griffin, on the other hand, is yet to play a snap in the NFL regular season. But, we’ll have to wait and see just like Winston.
