The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wonder if Ryan Fitzpatrick or Jameis Winston will start



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TAMPA, Florida – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback situation will remain a mystery – for at least another day and maybe all week.

Coach Dirk Koetter said on Tuesday that he was not divulging his departure, even after meeting Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick and informing them of the team's plan.

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Winston returned from his three-game suspension on Tuesday morning. Fitzpatrick has collected 400 yards in his last three games, but struggled in the Bucs' 30-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

"I know that there is a lot of interest in the quarter," Koetter said. "I spoke to Jameis and Fitz and it was great to see Jameis in the building again – he was there early and was working hard – we are happy to have him." [It’s] a short week. He assured me that he was ready to leave, which I do not doubt that he is working hard. We both know what we are going to do. I hope everyone can understand that it does not help us to tell our opponents what we are going to do. So, it will work as the week progresses. But we have a plan and both guys are aware. "

Koetter said the plan was a work in progress over the past few days.

"I did not know where everything was going to be," said Koetter. "I'm not 100% sure because I did not see Jameis' training, I know that when Jameis left at the end of the preseason, he was in good shape."

As Monday's game approached, the feeling around the Bucs' facilities was that Fitzpatrick would continue to start for at least another week, with astronomical numbers. In Week 1 and 2, Fitzpatrick led the NFL with 819 yards passing, making eight touchdowns and placing a ninth mark with his legs, leading the Bucs to defeat the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles.

But he fought against a Steelers defense that was in a hurry to put pressure on the 35-year-old caller and prevent big games. He made three interceptions in the second quarter, including six when he was back in his own goal zone.

"We can not reverse the situation, no matter if they put pressure on us at 40% [of the time] or 400 percent, "said Koetter. We can not return the ball. "

Ryan Fitzpatrick was on fire for the Buccaneers while Jameis Winston was suspended. Michael Reaves / Getty Images

A source close to Winston confirmed to ESPN that the QB was in the team's compound at 4:45, although this is the day of rest of the players. He will be joined by his teammates on Wednesday, which will mark his first experience with them in 28 days.

Over the past three weeks, Winston has not been allowed to enter the Bucs facilities, let alone train with the team. He enlisted the help of private quarterback coach George Whitfield and assembled a group of 25 Tampa-area players, including former Bucs, Louis Murphy, Andre Davis, and Bernard Reedy, as well as the former teammates. FSU's teammate Nick O 'Leary.

Players practiced daily for two and a half hours at Plant High School, University of South Florida and a local park. They participated 7 to 7 and even 11 to 11 to simulate the pressure. They even put cushions and simulation games on Saturdays.

"It was very intense," Murphy said. "He improved us all."

Reedy added, "He is still one of the hardest workers I know."

Wide receiver Chris Godwin said that he did not see the offense changing, no matter who starts.

"It's a good situation, knowing that you have two very good quarterbacks who can participate and do their part," said Godwin, who caught one of Fitzpatrick's touchdowns in the fourth quarter. "We are so used to all our quarterbacks because we have a lot of reps with everyone and we are all on the same page. It's not like what we do with Fitz is so different from what we did with Jameis. "

Receiver Adam Humphries said: "[They’re] hungry to play and hungry to win games. Obviously, that's not our decision, but as a receiver, I'm excited to go play for one or the other.

The Bucs (2-1) visit the Chicago Bears (2-1) on Sunday.

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