Chicago Bears Coach Matt Eberflus began his Wednesday press conference by stating that quarterback Justin Fields, who is recovering from a thumb injury, has yet to be medically cleared to play, and that youngster Tyson Bagent will start his fourth straight game this week.
Fields, who has been limited in practice this week, is listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report, which was released Wednesday. However, Eberflus confirmed that Fields would not play Thursday night in a primetime game against the Carolina Panthers. Confused? Many people were in the room, and several of them wanted clarity on the matter.
“Just to see,” Eberflus said when asked why Fields’ injury was listed as doubtful rather than out despite the fact that he has not been medically cleared. “We need to give him one more day.” Allow him one more day. But he’s working hard, and the results are improving by the day. So we’ll see where this goes.”
Fields dislocated his right thumb in Week 6’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. According to Eberflus, the third-year quarterback from Ohio State is making progress every day, and his accuracy and grip strength are returning as his thumb recovers. Fields avoided going on injured reserve, but he has missed about a month. And his return to the field will not occur in Week 10.
It probably won’t. When asked about the perplexing injury issue again, Eberflus took a different approach.
“Right now he’s listed as uncertain,” Eberflus explained. “We’ll see where this goes. The chances are slim. It’s 51% whether he’s in or out. Let’s see where it is. We have a little time left. However, we’ll proclaim him out when he’s out. Right now, we’re still considering him dubious.”
So, to clarify, Fields is categorized as questionable. However, Eberflus stated that he will not play. Except, the Bears want to wait one more day in case Fields magically feels much better before ruling him out. I get it.
The 24-year-old starter may participate in a pregame warmup before the Week 10 game against the Panthers, according to his second-year coach, depending on how the next 24 hours go. However, Bagent is expected to start, with veteran Nathan Peterman serving as his backup.
Chicago is 2-7 on the season, including 1-2 in its previous three games without Fields. The Bears are coming off a 24-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Bagent, an undrafted rookie from a Division II school, tossed for 220 yards, ran for 70 more, and scored two touchdowns in the game. He also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Three of those turnovers came in the fourth quarter.
