TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to start backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Thursday in their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins (7 p.m. ET). Fitzpatrick will assume the starting role for the first three games of the season while Jameis Winston serves his three-game suspension.
The plan is for Fitzpatrick to play about a quarter to give him some reps, hopefully without exposing the 35-year-old to any unnecessary hits, which could be tricky, given the health of the Bucs' offensive line.
Starting right tackle Demar Dotson isn't expected to play, as he's recovering from offseason knee surgery, and the training staff has been cautious in bringing him back.