The Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields started the 2023 NFL season hoping to become the “King of the North” and earn “a Super Bowl baby”. But destiny didn’t favor his squad as instead of grabbing the top spot, the team is sitting at the last position of the NFC North.
Besides getting embarrassed with a poor 2-6 record, Fields sustained another setback by sustaining an injury in a match against the Minnesota Vikings in week 6. Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent has been doing quarterbacking for a while, and now the latest update says he will soon return to action.
Is Justin Fields fit to play vs the Saints?
The Bears’ head coach Matt Eberflus earlier provided an update on Fields’ rehabilitation, saying that he is “progressing”. On Friday, he returned to practice after sustaining the injury and was spotted throwing the ball on the field.
The signal-caller revealed that his grip strength is “not fully back”. Though the veteran is working on his recovery, he is officially listed as “doubtful” to play in the match against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Eberflus also didn’t make a clear insight on his return on Friday and said they are keeping flow with his progress only.
“[Fields is] doubtful right now, and we’re just letting progress as it goes…That’s where we put it right now. So, it’s good to see him throughout the day for sure,” he said via AtoZ Sports.
However, the Bears’ head coach also shed light on Justin Fields’ availability for the Week 10 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, saying that he would give the quarterback the opportunity to decide.
While the QB’s swelling and grip strength started to improve, the latest update strongly signals his absence in week 9 and Bagent’s third consecutive start this season.
How did Justin Fields get injured?
After completing 6 of 10 passes for 58 yards and an interception, and running eight times for 46 yards, Justin Fields sustained a thumb injury in the third quarter of the Week 6 game against the Minnesota Vikings. He was trying to elude pressure by dropping back to pass and running toward the visitor’s sideline.
The QB was sacked by Vikings vet Danielle Hunter while doing so and sustained a dislocated thumb after landing awkwardly. The dual-threat intended to complete the game, although the team ruled him out as he could not hold the ball.
Justin missed two campaigns after sustaining the thumb injury. However, Eberflus earlier made it very clear that even though Bagent performed exceptionally in place of QB1, Fields would resume the role as the starter when he recovers. Now, the latest update will only say who will be at the Bears QB1 for the upcoming match.
After embracing a 30-13 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers in week 8, do you think that the Bears would be able to get rid of their losing streak in week 9? Tell us in the comments.
