We noted earlier that rookie quarterback Josh Freeman was preparing to start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now it’s official: Bucs coach Raheem Morris has announced that Freeman is his starting quarterback.
The Bucs are on their bye this week, giving Freeman some extra time to work with the first-string offense before making the first start of his career against the Green Bay Packers on November 8.
Freeman is the Bucs’ third starter this season; Byron Leftwich started the first three weeks and Josh Johnson has started the last four. Neither played particularly well for the Bucs, who are 0-7 on the season.
A talented but raw rookie from Kansas State, Freeman was chosen 17th overall in this year’s draft. He played briefly in Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots, completing two of four passes for 16 yards and getting sacked twice.
In four preseason games Freeman completed 22 of 49 passes for 238 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. He ran the ball eight times for 75 yards and one touchdown.