CHICAGO — It’s unlikely Justin Fields will play Sunday when the Las Vegas Raiders visit Soldier Field.
The third-year quarterback dislocated his thumb during the second half of the Bears’ 19-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, head coach Matt Eberflus announced. X-rays were negative and Fields had an MRI on Monday.
“There is no timetable right now,” Eberflus said Monday in Halas Hall. “It’s really going to come down to grip strength. There is natural swelling with this injury, so we should know more by the end of the week. Will he play this week? I’m doubtful at the moment.”
Eberflus reiterated several times on Monday that Fields’ grip strength will determine when he can play again. Fields is currently working with the trainers at Halas Hall, and the Bears will have a better idea of his long-term availability and whether or not surgery will be required by the end of the week.
“We’ll find out at the end of the week,” Eberflus said. “We’ll find out. Grip strength is – you know, grabbing the ball, throwing the ball, handing off the ball, everything a quarterback does. We’ll know at the end of the week.”
Eberflus said he hasn’t received any negative feedback from the MRI, but the Bears will have to wait for the swelling to go down before deciding on next steps.
“In terms of good things, everything looks as it is,” Eberflus said. “It doesn’t look like it’s anything negative, but we’ll see where it is.” I don’t have all the information yet as it isn’t there. We don’t have the information yet.”
Undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent took over for Fields against the Vikings. Bagent was a mixed bag in his NFL debut, but the Bears are confident he can do the job if Fields can’t play.
The Bears will spend the week preparing Bagent for Sunday’s start against the Raiders.
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