As the Bears continue their downward spiral, the topic of the quarterback position has been hot in Chicago. The conversation has ranged from the chances of landing the No. 1 pick and taking USC's Caleb Williams, to the possibility of Justin Fields being dealt.
One thing that continues to play a factor is Fields' health. The first-round pick from 2021 has missed the last three games with a thumb injury. As a result, it has been backup QB Tyson Bagent leading the Bears' offense in recent weeks.
Fields hurt his hand in Week 6, and has been working his way back. He wasn't placed on injured reserve, so he is eligible to return whenever he is healthy enough.
The Bears take on the Panthers Thursday night in a game that has more draft implications on the line than anything else. Chicago and Carolina have two of the worst records in the league, and with the Bears owning the Panthers' 2024 first-round selection, there will be shuffling atop the draft order after Thursday.
MORE: Where did Bears QB Tyson Bagent go to college?
But is Fields going to be playing tonight? The Sporting News has the latest on Fields' status for "Thursday Night Football" against the Panthers.
Where is Justin Fields?
Fields is not active today for the Bears' "Thursday Night Football" contest against the Panthers. He will miss his fourth consecutive game as he recovers from his thumb injury.
With Fields sidelined, it will be Bagent getting another start for Chicago. The undrafted QB out of D-II Shepherd has been OK in place of the starter, leading the Bears to a Week 7 win over the Raiders.
However, turnovers have been a major issue for Bagent, with seven in four appearances.
When will Justin Fields return?
According to Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus, Fields is "progressing"; however, he has not been medically cleared for a return.
Justin Fields is NOT medically cleared yet, per Matt Eberflus. He is "progressing everyday." Tyson Bagent is starting vs. the Panthers.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 8, 2023
There was a positive development this week. The Bears quarterback was seen throwing a ball at practice on Wednesday, a sign that Fields' return could be coming in the near future.
Justin Fields throwing at practice but he is listed as DOUBTFUL vs. Carolina. We are going to hear from Matt Eberflus here momentarily. pic.twitter.com/n47AFslPSo
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 8, 2023
With Fields set to miss his fourth straight game, there have been some questions about why he wasn't placed on injured reserve, which would have opened up a spot on the active roster. However, a stint on IR was not an option for Fields and Chicago.
Teams only have eight return-from-IR spots available per season. If Fields had been placed on injured reserve, then either he or another player currently on injured reserve would not have been eligible to come off the list, making them unavailable for the entire year.
Bears QB Justin Fields & RG Nate Davis will miss their fourth game. However, IR for either wouldn't have been possible. The Bears have used all 8 return-from-IR spots.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) November 8, 2023
If Fields/Davis had gone on IR, then they or 2 of Herbert/St. Brown/Blackwell would've been out for the year.
Justin Fields injury update
Fields is dealing with a dislocated thumb on his right hand. He suffered the injury in Week 6 against Minnesota.
The injury occurred in the third quarter of the Bears' loss to the Vikings. On third and 7 at his own 37, Fields tried to scramble out of the pocket to his left but was sacked from behind by Vikings defensive lineman Danielle Hunter.
On the ground, Fields was seen trying to move his wrist before eventually heading to the sidelines for the punt unit to come out. He immediately went to the medical tent for an evaluation.
Danielle Hunter grabs his eighth sack of the season and his second of the day on this play🔥
— IDP Guys- We've got offense too! (@IDPGuys) October 15, 2023
Justin Fields appeared to have hurt his wrist on this play and went into the medical tent.
pic.twitter.com/U4C0V3xyU4
Fields left the tent soon after, and was ruled out for the rest of the contest against the Vikings. He has not played in a game since suffering the injury.
