Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is at least a week away from returning to action after missing each of the past two games with a dislocated right thumb.
Following their blowout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday night, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told the media on Monday that Fields will not play next week against the New Orleans Saints.
This means that rookie undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent will get his third consecutive start for the two-win Bears as they play out another lost season in the Windy City.
Chicago wants to make sure Fields is 100% and ready to go before he takes to the field again.
Though, this latest injury update complicates things for the rebuilding team. Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles want to see what they have in Fields moving forward this season to make a long-term determination at quarterback.
Justin Fields stats (2023): 62% completion, 1,201 yards, 11 TD, 6 INT
Chicago boasts its own first-round pick and the Carolina Panthers’ top selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. As of right now, that would give the Bears two of the top-three picks in the annual event — one that is seen as loaded at the quarterback position with USC’s Caleb Williams leading things.
Drama was the name of the game between Fields and the Bears’ brass prior to the former first-round pick going down to injury. That included the youngster calling out Chicago’s offensive scheme.
Completely out of playoff contention in the NFC, getting a larger sample size as it relates to Fields has to be in the cards for Chicago. As of right now, that’s just not going to happen.
In Fields stead against Los Angeles Sunday evening, Bagent completed 25-of-37 passes for 232 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. It resulted in an ugly 30-13 road loss.