The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to be without starting quarterback Jameis Winston for the first three games of the regular season after Winston was suspended for violating the NFL’s conduct policy.

Winston allegedly sexual assaulted a female Uber driver two years ago. After a through investigation, the league concluded that Winston had to be suspended for his actions.

The suspension is devastating news for a team that has playoff aspirations. The Bucs have an experienced back up in Ryan Fitzpatrick and he is certainly good enough to help them win two of their first three games but it is going to be a daunting task given Tampa’s early season schedule.

The Bucs open at New Orleans and then host the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is a brutal slate to start the season with Jameis Winston, never mind without him.

The Bucs invested heavily in their defense this off season with the thought being that they had enough talent to win with on offense. On paper, Tampa Bay is a legitimate playoff team but with Winston out for the first three games, their chances of making the playoffs will take a major hit.

Sadly, it appeared like Winston was turning his life around in Tampa. Unfortunately, that is not the case. He still lacks the maturity that it take to be the leader of a franchise and as a result of selfishness, the Bucs are paying for it.

Winston’s suspension could derail the Bucs season which is a shame because Tampa is good enough to compete for an NFC South crown and a playoff spot.