The Bears’ biggest news of the day was head coach Matt Eberfus’ announcement that Justin Fields will not start against the Panthers on Thursday Night Football because he is medically ineligible to play
“There is still a little time left, but we will declare him out again if he is out,” said Eberflus. “Right now we’re still listing him as doubtful.”
Reading between the lines of Eberflus’ full press conference, it seems unlikely that Fields will play against the Panthers. The head coach was less opaque about the status of other starters. Tremaine Edmunds (knee), Nate Davis (ankle) and Khari Blasingame (concussion) are all out. Backup cornerback Terell Smith is also out with mononucleosis.
With Edmunds out, Jack Sanborn will have a second start at middle linebacker. Sanborn was a standout defensive player in the loss to the Saints in Week 9. Teven Jenkins will fill in for Davis. Like Sanborn, Jenkins has made a big positive impact in his time as a right guard, particularly in run blocking. The Bears tried several players as lead blockers when Blasingame went down, including tight end Robert Tonyan. It will be interesting to see how the Bears adjust their offense for several days to prepare for life without a fullback.
Finally, running back Khalil Herbert, wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown and cornerback Josh Blackwell all practiced fully but remain on injured reserve. Each man is considered questionable, but each man would have to be reinstated to the active roster before they can play.
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