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Jameis Winston's expected suspension hurts, but Bucs have backup plan

TAMPA, Fla. -- The NFL is planning to suspend Jameis Winston for the first three games of the season according to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't sweating their backup options.

The Bucs were cautiously optimistic all offseason, but knew Winston could face discipline following an investigation into his alleged groping of a female Uber driver, and they secured insurance by re-signing Fitzpatrick in March before he could test free agency.

The 14-year veteran, who first signed with the Bucs last offseason, won 2-of-3 starts for them in 2017 when Winston suffered a sprained AC joint in the right shoulder of his throwing arm.