Like the other bottom-ranked NFL teams, the Chicago Bears led by Justin Fields, show no sign of stepping in the 2023 post-season. With the 2-7 record, they are sitting at the bottom of the NFC North, and their performance is getting only worse, especially on the offensive side.
The Bears’ passing offense is averaging only 190.6 passing yards per game this season, and their O-line has sustained another setback following the injury of Fields. After going through the setback in Week 7, the signal-caller is yet to make a healthy comeback, and the team has updated his game status ahead of its upcoming match against the 1-7 Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field.
Matt Eberflus rules Justin Fields out for TNF
After going through rehabilitation in the past few days, Fields returned to practice on Friday. According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, he began throwing the ball but his grip strength was not restored. The source also said the QB experienced some pain in gripping the ball and was listed as a limited participant in practice this week.
The signal-caller was listed as “doubtful” to play in Thursday Night Football against the Panthers in the Bears injury report. However, the team’s head Matt Eberflus ruled him out of the squad on Wednesday and said the move was initiated to let him take extra time to get better.
“We’ve got to give him one more day. Give him one more day. But he’s working hard, and it’s getting better every day, so we’ll see where it goes.”
Eberflus went on to say the 24-year-old star’s accuracy and throwing are getting better and that the future decision about him would be taken after a while.
“He’s getting better, though. Accuracy’s improving. He’s throwing it better. And he’s starting to do more and more and more. So, we’ll see where it goes. Right now, we’re listing him as doubtful. And we’ll see where it goes from there.”
Fields suffered a thumb injury in the third quarter of the contest against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6 when he was trying to elude pressure by dropping back to pass. He was running toward the visitor’s sideline and was sacked by the Vikings Danielle Hunter, leading him to land awkwardly and dislocate the thumb.
Tyson Bagent takes the helm again for Fields
After doing the starting job in three games, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is set to replace Fields for the fourth time on Thursday night against the Panthers. He became a starter in the team’s Week 7 match against the Las Vegas Raiders which was its last victory out of two. He continued the quarterbacking job in the match against the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints as well.
Though Eberflus earlier said they would be banking on Justin as their QB1, Tyson will be leading the O-line till the the injured dual-threat recovers. There has been a rumor that the Bears QB1 may return to the helm in Week 11 after the team enjoys a mini-bye week.
Though the backup QB picked up a victory for the Bears in his debut match, his performance still requires improvement. He completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 614 yards along with three touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 93 yards.
What’s your take on the Chicago Bears’ offense lately? Tell us in the comments.
