Justin Fields has taken the coveted second-year leap into the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks. He’s set rushing records, honed in his passing, and has turned a Chicago Bears offense that many had pegged as the league’s worst into a must-watch unit.
Now, a shoulder injury is threatening to sideline the dynamic young QB. With that in mind, many fantasy football managers are wondering if Fields is playing today against the New York Jets.
Update: Justin Fields is inactive for the Bears in Week 12.
Is Justin Fields Playing Today?
Fields suffered a shoulder injury during last week’s narrow loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He managed to gut it out in a heroic effort that saw him lead his team with 85 rushing yards on top of 153 passing and two total touchdowns, but he was clearly in pain. His status this week has been up in the air as a result.
On the Bears’ official injury report, Fields has been a limited participant at practice all week. On Friday, head coach Matt Eberflus was cryptic and reserved regarding Fields’ status, calling him a game-time decision.
“I think we’re going to let it go up to the game,” Eberflus explained. “We’ll see where it goes. He’s feeling better every single day. We’ve got 48 hours to assess that to where we’re going to go with that.”
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo, the Bears have elevated practice squad QB Nathan Peterman for Sunday’s contest against the Jets, casting doubt on Fields’ availability. If Chicago’s starting quarterback misses the game, veteran backup Trevor Siemian will take the reigns under center.
Fields’ absence and Siemian’s presence would likely lower the ceiling of most of Chicago’s fantasy assets. On Underdog Fantasy, it’d likely be smart to shy away from going higher on the likes of Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet, though David Montgomery could be leaned on more in the running game.
Siemian last started a game for the New Orleans Saints in 2021. Over four starts last season, he compiled an 0-4 record passing for 1,154 yards, 11 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 57.4 completion percentage.
He’d certainly be a downgrade for the Bears’ passing attack, but it’s through his lack of ability in the running game that his difference from Fields will be most pronounced.
Fields has been on a torrid pace carrying the rock, amassing rushing totals of 85, 147, 178, and 60 yards over his last four games. New York’s young and feisty defense will likely be chomping at the bit to play Siemian as opposed to his more explosive counterpart.