Justin Fields has not played since he sustained a rib injury in the Baltimore Ravens game. The belief was that Fields did some damage during the game, and later MRIs confirmed minor fractures. Fields then sat out the following two games, with Andy Dalton taking the reins. What is Fields’ status for tonight’s game vs. the Packers? Will Fields be available for fantasy football managers, and how has he performed so far this season?
Will Justin Fields play tonight vs. the Packers?
Head coach Matt Nagy confirmed on Wednesday that Fields will start tonight against the Packers. As he works his way back from the rib injury, we’ll see just how healthy he is. But Fields is tough. He suffered a similar injury on a brutal hit against Clemson in the College Football Playoff. He somehow continued, going on to throw 6 touchdowns and lead Ohio State to the title game.
Andy Dalton has a hand injury, and you can’t help but wonder if they would allow Fields more time to heal if Dalton were healthy and could play today. Nonetheless, it’s Fields that gets the green light, and he’ll start vs. the Packers in prime time on Sunday Night Football.
How has Fields played so far this season?
We all expected we would see Fields this year, despite Andy Dalton signing with the Bears on a one-year deal in the offseason. Fields got his first start against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, after Dalton suffered a knee injury the prior week, forcing Fields into the game. After a Week 4 performance against the Detroit Lions in which Fields went 11 of 17 for 209 yards and an interception, Matt Nagy announced he would be the permanent starter going forward.
Fields has thrown 4 touchdowns and 8 interceptions so far this season, but he’s shown flashes of what he’s capable of. He adds an exciting element to the Bears’ offense. His ability to take off with his legs shines through, and he’s found the end zone twice with his feet.
It’s been a turbulent year for the Bears’ offense in general. They’ve struggled to put it together, with star wide receiver Allen Robinson not seeing a lot of the football and running back David Montgomery missing a chunk of time, too.
Overall, Bears fans have enough to be excited about with Fields. The Bears have a lot to work out to get themselves back on track, but Fields is capable of leading the franchise. You only have to look to the games against the Niners and Steelers to be able to see it, and his confidence is certainly building in recent weeks. We’ll see how he performs under the Sunday night lights against the Packers.