Buccaneers to start Winston vs. 49ers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will go back to Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback in Week 12 against the San Francisco 49ers, the team confirmed.

Fitzpatrick started the previous three games but was benched in favor of Winston after throwing three interceptions Sunday against the New York Giants. Winston led the Bucs on a furious rally from a 24-7 deficit, but ultimately fell short in the 38-35 final.

Playing Winston comes with significant risk. The Buccaneers picked up the $20.9-million fifth-year option on the quarterback for 2019, which is guaranteed only for injury. Koetter said he has not been directed by the front office to protect Winston against injury.

"No one has talked to me at all about that. I don't really know much about that," he said.