Now in his third NFL season and his second full season as a starter, Justin Fields has shown signs of growth in 2023. But now an injury to the thumb on his throwing hand is forcing the 24-year-old QB to miss Chicago’s Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who will also be starting a backup QB.
With Fields’s thumb injury still causing trouble, we’ll instead see undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent under center for the Bears this week.
Bagent relieved Fields during last week’s loss to Minnesota. He wound up completing 10-of-14 passes for 83 yards and a game-sealing interception. But he also added four yards on two rushes, including a touchdown, accounting for six of the team’s 13 points.
The Bears also have Nathan Peterman on the roster, who is expected to operate as Bagent’s backup on gameday. Trace McSorley was also added to the practice squad three days ago. Whether Chicago elevates the newcomer to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s game remains to be seen.
Fields has led the Bears to a 1-5 record so far this season. Now Bagent, 23, will make the first start of his NFL career.
Related: See where Justin Fields lands in Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL QB rankings