Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields suffered a thumb injury that has forced him to miss the team’s last four games. However, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus expressed optimism regarding Fields’ progression, saying he expects to have his franchise quarterback return to action on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
“He’s progressing well and our plan is to start him this week,” Eberflus stated during his press conference earlier today. “This will be a big evaluation today… going full speed, doing full-speed reps,” Eberflus added.
Over the past four games, undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent has been starting in Fields’ place and filling in admirably. In that span, the Bears have gone 2-2. Bagent has thrown for 776 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions, adding 105 rushing yards and a touchdown through the ground.
Fields was arguably the hottest quarterback in the NFL before he was forced to exit the game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6 due to the thumb injury he sustained, throwing four touchdown passes in each of the two games before.
Despite the derailing injury, Eberflus praised Fields for remaining engaged and involved with the team, helping Bagent prepare to start in his place. “You can feel the support… He’s always been a great teammate,” Eberflus said of Fields.
Now, he will look to recapture the momentum he was gaining before missing each of the past four games.
