There hasn’t been much to love about the Chicago Bears this season. But the one thing fans have actually looked forward to is the development of rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who missed the last two games with cracked ribs.
Fields made his return to the starting lineup Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, which gave fans something to look forward to in a game they knew would end in a loss.
The one thing that was evident in Sunday’s loss to the Packers was that Fields was in pain throughout the game, and it wasn’t just because he was under constant duress. It was in the absence of the zip on his passes and how he has throwing some high balls.
After the game, Fields told the media that he was 90% in Sunday’s game, where he felt pain in his ribs on every one of his 33 pass attempts. Which isn’t exactly what you want to hear from the player who could be your future at quarterback.
Fields also had x-rays on his left, non-throwing hand after the game.
Justin Fields said he was at 90% tonight. Admitted he felt pain on every throw. Also said it was in the back of his mind trying to keep his ribs protected.
His left (non-throwing) hand is swollen. He had x-rays on the hand after the game.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 13, 2021
All things considered, Fields fared fine in his return, where he was under duress for most of the game and hit on almost every throw. He didn’t receive any help from head coach Matt Nagy, as the Bears refused to roll him out or give him some extra protection, especially with rookie Teven Jenkins taking over for an injured Jason Peters at left tackle.
While the important thing right now is Fields’ continued development, his health is the most important thing. And it’s another reason why fans continue to call for Nagy’s job before season’s end.
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