Report: Buccaneers nearly benched Fitzpatrick on MNF

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came within a play or two of benching quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Monday Night Football in Week 3, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter reportedly told his team Wednesday that he considered removing Fitzpatrick after the veteran's third pick of the opening half against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Koetter supposedly made the revelation during a team meeting in which he discussed the Bucs' quarterback situation. Former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston returns to the club this week after serving a three-game suspension, but Fitzpatrick is expected to start Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

It would've been shocking to see Fitzpatrick pulled Monday night, as he led the NFL in passing yards through two weeks and steered the Buccaneers to a 2-0 start. Third-stringer Ryan Griffin would've been forced into action if a change was made. Tampa trailed 23-7 when Koetter contemplated the swap.

Fitzpatrick rebounded in the second half against the Steelers, nearly leading the Buccaneers back from a 20-point deficit. He finished the game with 411 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He still ranks first in the NFL in passing yards and second in passing touchdowns.

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