Bucs choose QB but won’t divulge
TAMPA, Fla. — Jameis Winston is back on the job, though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still aren't saying if it's as the team's starting quarterback.
Winston's three-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy ended Tuesday, the first day the fourth-year pro was permitted to return to the team's training facility and have contact with coaches and teammates.
It was a day off for players following Monday night's 30-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, however coach Dirk Koetter said the first overall pick from the 2015 draft showed up bright and early, ready to begin preparation for the Chicago Bears.
What Koetter declined to say was whether Winston or Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has the Bucs off to a 2-1 start while throwing for more than 400 yards in a league-record three consecutive games will start Sunday.
“I know there's a lot of interest in the quarterback thing. I did talk to both Jameis and Fitz,” Koetter began.
Without elaborating, Koetter said he shared the team's plans with the quarterbacks.
“We know what we're going to do. Both guys know what we're going to do,” the coach said, “I hope everybody can appreciate it doesn't do us any good to tell our opponents what we're going to do. That'll work itself out as the week goes on.”
Winston started 45 of 48 games over the past three seasons, going 18-27 while throwing for 11,636 yards, 69 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. Fitzpatrick, who has played for seven teams in 14 seasons, threw for 1,230 yards and 11 TDs in Winston's absence.
Rams CB Talib to have surgery
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Aqib Talib will undergo surgery Thursday to repair an ankle injury.
Rams coach Sean McVay said a timetable for the five-time Pro Bowler's return will not be known until after the procedure is completed and the full extent of the injury he sustained in the second half of the 35-23 win over the Chargers on Sunday is determined.
Odds and ends
The Titans have added a quarterback with Marcus Mariota dealing with an injured elbow and backup Blaine Gabbert in the concussion protocol. Tennessee agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Austin Davis. The Titans also placed offensive lineman Kevin Pamphile on injured reserve to create a roster spot after he started the last two games. …
The Panthers have addressed their injury-depleted offensive line by acquiring veteran Marshall Newhouse in a trade with the Bills. Buffalo acquired a conditional draft pick from Carolina. The Bills then filled Newhouse's spot by signing offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles to a one-year contract. …
After a scary series of incidents Saturday, defensive end Everson Griffen remained away from the Vikings and out of action indefinitely with mental health issues. Coach Mike Zimmer said Griffen would not travel with the team to play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. According to police in Minnetrista, the Minneapolis suburb where he lives, Griffen was making comments about people trying to kill him. He was eventually transported by ambulance to an area hospital for his wellbeing, despite jumping out of the vehicle at one point during a brief stop for crossing deer. He was never arrested or suspected of committing any crimes.