Bears Expect to Start QB Justin Fields vs. Lions Sunday

The third-year quarterback will make his return to the starting lineup in a pivotal NFC North matchup.

Justin Fields is set to return to the starting lineup for the Bears’ game against the Lions on Sunday, coach Matt Eberflus announced on Wednesday. 

Fields will make his return after missing Chicago’s last four games with a dislocated thumb suffered in a Week 6 loss to the Vikings. Over the last month, rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent stepped in for Fields and led the team to a 2–2 mark in four games.

Chicago Bears starting quarterback Justin Fields is set to return to the lineup against the Detroit Lions in Week 11 :: Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports

Before his injury, Fields recorded 1,201 passing yards, 11 touchdowns through the air and six interceptions while generating a 91.6 passer rating. With Fields returning, it means Chicago will be able to incorporate more of the quarterback’s playmaking skills with both his arms and his legs on offense against Detroit, something Eberflus stated on Monday in the team’s news conference.

“You know we’re going to tailor it a little bit for Justin [Fields] and to fit his style,” Eberflus said. “What does that mean? It means, OK, we’re going to being back to the quarterback run and the keepers. We’re going to bring back the different things that we’ve done and that were effective.”

Currently, Chicago (3–7) sits at the bottom of the NFC North and one game behind the Packers (3–6) for third place. The Bears will face the division-leading Lions (7-2) at 1 p.m. ET at Ford Field.