Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman finally confirmed what many fans already suspected: that he likely won't start the season opener against Dallass.

More tidbits from Sirius NFL Radio’s “Movin’ the Chains” show at One Buc Palace Thursday with Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan.

Among the many players interviewed was Josh Freeman. For the first time Joe can recall, Freeman confessed that he is unlikely to start opening day against Dallass (Editor’s note: Thank God!).

“I was given a shot to start,” Freeman said of competition between him and quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown. “But now [the Bucs] plan to ease me in slowly.”

Anyone who has watched more than one practice could tell that Freeman, barring injuries, wasn’t going to start against Dallass, but no one with the Bucs would admit it. Good to hear it coming from the first round draft pick’s mouth.