After missing the Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is doubtful to play in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
What’s the Latest on Justin Fields?
Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Monday that there was “no change” with Fields’ recovery from a dislocated right thumb.
“He’s doubtful for this week,” Eberflus said Monday at Halas Hall. “He’s working with trainers. He continues to progress, but he’s just not there yet. [Tyson] Bagent will be our starter until that time he is cleared.”
Bears’ HC Matt Eberflus said QB Justin Fields will once again be considered doubtful for Sunday night’s game vs the Chargers due to his dislocated thumb.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2023
Fields dislocated his right thumb on his throwing hand during the second half of the Bears’ Week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Fields is on track to avoid surgery and a trip to the injured reserve.
Eberflus has said that Fields is working with trainers and will be able to return when the swelling subsides and his grip strength returns.
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Rookie Bagent took over for Fields and led the team to a 30-12 victory against the Raiders Sunday. In his first NFL start, Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown for a 97.2 passer rating.
Through six games, Fields has completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions.
What Does Fields’ Injury Mean for Fantasy?
Just like last week, Eberflus came out early in the week and said Fields is doubtful to play.
I can’t think of a single instance in which a coach made a pessimistic comment of this nature and the player actually played. That means it is almost certainly going to be another week of Bagent under center.
In last week’s win over the Raiders, the Bears leaned heavily on their running backs, opting to make Bagent a game manager. With a positive game script throughout, they were able to stick to the plan.
Things may be a bit more difficult against a more potent Chargers offense on Sunday night. If the Bears fall behind, they will have no choice but to let Bagent air it out. That could lead to a better performance from DJ Moore, who is coming off an inefficient 8-54 outing.
Unless Bagent starts pushing the ball downfield, Moore’s ceiling will be capped. However, he remains a strong PPR option as the primary read for a QB who is more apt to through to his first option.
As for Fields, fantasy managers will have to sit tight. The Bears have opted not to put Fields on IR. Hopefully, it’s only another week or two before he is able to return.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Jason Katz
