Justin Fields told reporters on Wednesday that he’s feeling better than he did last week. His shoulder injury remains an ongoing issue, limiting him in practice again. However, it appears he is pointed in the right direction. He came close to playing last weekend in New York, but warmups didn’t go as hoped. The pain was still too much. That may not be the case on Sunday at Soldier Field. Not with the Green Bay Packers coming to town. Fields has multiple incentives to push for a return in that game.
Start with the obvious. The Bears’ arch-rivals have beaten him three times since he was drafted. He’s yet to beat Green Bay in his NFL career. That is not something a competitor like him takes lightly. No doubt he would love a chance to play spoiler, ruining what little playoff hopes the Packers have left. It would be especially sweet, considering Aaron Rodgers and others are already assuming it will be a win.
There is one extra incentive, though. It comes from having watched what happened in Philadelphia last weekend. If Jalen Hurts can run for 157 yards against this Packers’ defense, why can’t he?
Justin Fields is in a far different place from September.
In Week 2, the Bears offense was still finding themselves. Green Bay took advantage, enacting a game plan that kept Fields in the pocket. Things have changed. Luke Getsy has re-crafted the scheme with a heavy incorporation of the Baltimore Ravens offense, making Lamar Jackson a huge success. People can’t say it hasn’t worked. Before his injury in Atlanta, the Bears averaged 29 points per game across six weeks. He may want to show Green Bay what he’s learned while also taking advantage of a wounded animal.
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The Packers defense is significantly less healthy than three months ago. Star defensive end Rashan Gary tore his ACL. Cornerback Eric Stokes is also done for the year, while All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell might miss another game with a knee injury. Since Week 4 against New England, the Packers have allowed at least 150 yards rushing in six games, including 363 against Philadelphia. The Bears have had at least 160 yards rushing in six straight games with Justin Fields under center.
This is a prime opportunity if he is healthy enough to go.
I think I speak for most Bears fans when I say don’t play him. We’ve waited forever to have a legitimate QB and Fields is definitely starting to look like one. Please don’t run this guy into the ground. It was hard to watch the last time he played when he’s obviously hurt and they’re still calling running plays for him. This kid is the future of Chicago Bears football. Take care of him!
Sit him. Justin could put up 350 yards and 4 TDs and it won't matter because the defense can't stop anything. Then if Jordan Love plays and puts up numbers all of GB country will be saying See Jordan Love is already better than JF1 blah blah blah. It's a perfect trap game.
I’ll keep this short and simple. DON’T LET HIM PLAY! It would be foolish.
Better flip this around for Fields’ sake. What Packer wouldn’t love to put a shot on JF1 when he’s already hurting? This is a no go. Not worth it. Rest up, heal up and see if he can get some meaningful snaps in the last few weeks.
This game will be an extremely tough one to win, because Fields will not be at 100% if he even plays at all. Further, that to the fact, that Khalil Herbert’s not available, Darnell Mooney is not available, and who are they actually gonna throw the ball to ? Maybe Chase Claypool, Monty, Kmet? but I don’t know. Gonna be tough. They’re gonna need some trick plays… would like to see something in a gadget play, with a pass to Fields. If he runs down the field, who the hell’s going to cover him?? Lol! Just dreaming guys, don’t down… Read more »