Head coach Raheem Morris of the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Josh Freeman will take over the starting duties.

The 17th overall pick in this year's draft, Freeman made his NFL debut in last Sunday's 35-7 setback to the Patriots in London, England.

Freeman was the third quarterback taken in the draft behind Detroit's Matthew Stafford, the top overall pick, and Mark Sanchez, who was selected fifth by the Jets.

Tampa Bay (0-7) has a bye this week, allowing the former standout at Kansas State additional time to prepare for his first start against Green Bay on November 8.

Freeman supplants second-year man Josh Johnson, who made four starts after veteran Byron Leftwich started the first three games of the season.

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