Report: Ryan Fitzpatrick still expected to start in Week 4

Ryan Fitzpatrick finally came back to earth in Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it is not expected to cost the veteran quarterback his starting job — at least in the short term.

Jameis Winston is returning from a three-game suspension this week, and the assumption has been that he will serve as Tampa’s backup quarterback for at least a game. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, “all signs” point to that happening.

#Bucs have a 3-day roster exemption for QB Jameis Winston, who is on the Commissioner’s Exempt list. They don’t have to make a roster move until Friday. Don’t expect a QB announcement soon based on competitive reasons. But all signs have pointed to Ryan Fitzpatrick continuing on.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 26, 2018

While he threw three interceptions in a 30-27 loss to the Steelers, Fitzpatrick had his third consecutive game with over 400 yards passing and nearly led the Bucs back from a 30-10 halftime deficit. He already has over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdown passes on the season.

With the Buccaneers having a short week to prepare for Sunday’s road game against the Chicago Bears, it makes sense for Winston to sit out at least another week. That will allow him time to get back in the swing of things, and it will also give Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter another week to evaluate whether or not Fitzpatrick should remain the team’s starter.

Despite the hilarious confidence Fitzpatrick has shown through the first month of the season, he’s bound to regress. He’s currently on pace for nearly 5,000 yards passing and 44 touchdowns. Those numbers simply aren’t sustainable for a 35-year-old journeyman.