Bring on Ryan Fitzpatrick; Steelers will face backup in Week 3 after Jameis Winston suspension

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to slightly alter their preparation for their Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the league officially announced Winston will be suspended three games due to violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.

See the official release below:

We reported this story when it was just a “source”, but it turns out the source was spot on with their evaluation of the situation. While the suspension itself might not come as a surprise to many, not after the initial report, what should surprise some is how Winston is not going to appeal this suspension.

This isn’t a situation like Marcus Gilbert had last year where he felt he could have fought a 4-game suspension, but didn’t want to miss a playoff game. This is a situation where Winston could have claimed what was reported was false. In the past, the league has been lenient on players and decreased suspensions if the player avoided getting in further trouble.

Ben Roethlisberger saw this treatment in 2010 when his 6-game suspension was reduced to 4-games, pending his good behavior. But Winston seems to be willing to take the suspension and prepare to move on starting in Week 4.

As for Fitzpatrick, if you are wondering how he has done in his career vs. the Steelers, Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has the numbers — and they aren’t pretty.

Call it good fortune for the Steelers, but it is safe to say the Week 3 game in Tampa Bay just took on an entirely different look with Fitzpatrick slated to be under center.