Bears QB Justin Fields ‘doubtful’ for Week 8, Tyson Bagent expected to start vs. Chargers

The Chicago Bears are coming off a big win over the Las Vegas Raiders with rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent making his first NFL start in place of an injured Justin Fields.

Fields suffered a dislocated right thumb in Week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and he missed Sunday’s game as a result. There have been a number of reports indicating Fields could return as soon as this week against the Los Angeles Chargers, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Head coach Matt Eberflus said Fields is officially “doubtful” for Sunday night’s game, and the team will prepare for Bagent to make his second NFL start against the Chargers.

“He’s just not there yet,” Eberflus said of Fields.

Bagent was efficient in his first NFL start, where he orchestrated the game manager role perfectly. He completed 21-of-29 passes for 162 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers. Bagent leaned on a steady dose of the run game and got some help from his defense. We’ll see if Chicago opens things up for Bagent in his second start.

Eberflus reiterated that the team is “on the right path” to Fields avoiding surgery on his thumb.

The hope is Fields will be able to return in Week 9 when the Bears battle the New Orleans Saints.