Bears quarterback Justin Fields is dealing with a separated left shoulder that has his status in question for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
Fields has been limited in practice all week, and he’s officially been ruled a game-time decision for Week 12. From listening to Fields and coach Matt Eberflus, it sounds like Fields will play if he can.
But what does that mean exactly? The injury is to his non-throwing shoulder, sure, but Fields didn’t hold back about the pain he felt throwing the ball (and even on handoffs) back on Wednesday. Still, Eberflus would prefer Fields play (if able) because this team is always looking to win.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Fields is pushing to play Sunday against the Jets. Fowler said it’s not a matter of pain tolerance for Fields, rather the risk of long-term injury.
Fields is a game-time decision for Sunday, but Fowler said the decision will ultimately come down to general manager Ryan Poles and team president Ted Phillips.
Updates on @SportsCenter with @RandyScottESPN
-Bears weigh risk with Justin Fields’ shoulder
-Ja’Marr Chase likely game-time decision
-Deebo Samuel managing hamstring
-Chase Young prepared for contact, likely on hard snap count upon return (this week a toss-up) pic.twitter.com/yMBMBn9C8i— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 26, 2022
The general consensus among Bears fans is they don’t want Fields to play to risk further injury. After all, Chicago has already won this season given they’ve found their franchise quarterback. Sitting at 3-8, there’s nothing to play for this season. It’s hard not to think Poles doesn’t feel the same.
If Fields doesn’t play, it’ll be backup Trevor Siemian getting the starting nod.
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