More Rest Ahead for Justin Fields

Coach Matt Eberflus doubts Justin Fields will play again this week at L.A. against the Chargers, meaning Tyson Bagent would get his first road action.

Justin Fields appears headed for another week on the bench and Tyson Bagent for his first action on the road.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus on Monday said Fields continues to improve but not to the point where he's expected back to play Sunday at Los Angeles against the Chargers.

"Really, no change," Eberflus said. "He's doubtful for this week, working with trainers, continues to progress. He's just not there yet.

"Bagent will be our starter until that time he (Fields) is cleared. So we're squared away on that.

"Again, excited for Tyson's opportunity again this week, for him to start in a game."

Bagent followed up his 10-of-14 effort for 83 yards and an interception in relief against the Vikings with a 21-of-29 game for 162 yards and a touchdown and 97.2 rating in Sunday's Bears win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Last week Eberflus had said he believed Fields was on the right path to avoid injured reserve and seemed more certain on Monday.

"We do think we're on the right path, yes we do," he said.

Bagent impressed by getting the ball out quickly.

Not sure when this #Bears “QB Controversy” came from, but it needs to stop immediately! Fields is QB1 and that’s that! Tyson Bagent did what he was supposed to do as QB2!! 🐻⬇️

— Jerry Azumah (@JerryAzumah) October 23, 2023

"Yeah, it must be those 7,000 passes he's thrown in his life," Eberflus said. "Yeah I think that he's got a good knack for that. He really does. He understands the play design. He understands where it's supposed to go, and he gets rid of it in a timely fashion. Even when it was off schedule, in terms of the pressure, he was able because he's athletic enough to be able to evade, you know?

"He had that nice scramble on the first touchdown. So, he's able to do those things and that's his skill set and he did a nice job with it."

Eberflus saw this ability back in preseason.

"I saw positive things there," he said. "I thought it was right on time, and I think he was poised the entire game."

Bagent completed passes to eight different receivers and targeted nine of them.

"We want to definitely continue to do that," Eberflus said. "You know that was really positive. You know, again, you can win a lot of different ways and every week is different. And we'll find a way to, you know, during the next couple days (see) what's going to work this week. We'll keep working at it."

It seemed a limited game plan for a passer whose arm strength is in question, but Bagent laughed about that after the game and said he's got "a cannon."

Eberflus thinks they could find Bagent can play a different style of ball thank dink and dunk.

"Oh, yeah. No question. No question," he said. "Yeah, he's a rhythm and timing passer, you know, and he's got all the ability to do all those things."

The determining factor in formulating their game plan this week might not be Bagent's inexperience as much as the opponent.

"Obviously the first time coming out you want him to be very successful and, you know, I think it matters with the opponent you're playing, the rushers you're playing, the coverages they're playing, what their style is, what their offense looks like," Eberflus said. "I think it's all encompassing."

Last week the Bears faced a team with Maxx Crosby as a pass rusher. This time it will be their former edge rusher Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.

Also unchanged on the injury report is the status of right guard Nate Davis. He has a high ankle sprain and missed the last two games. He has already been ruled out for this week.

Two other Bears appear healthier now.

Running back Roschon Johnson has been in the concussion protocol the last two games but appears like he'll be cleared to play this game.

"He's got another hurdle that he has to clear but it looks real positive and that looks good for Wednesday (practice), but we'll see where it is at that time."

The other concussion-related issue was Jaquan Brisker. Their starting safety was injured in the last few seconds of Sunday's game and afterward it was unclear if it was possibly a shoulder or pectoral injury but Eberflus said he was examined for a concussion and is fine.

One other health-related issue is the potential return of starting left tackle Braxton Jones from injured reserve.

"We'll have an update for you Wednesday," Eberflus said. "I know his (21-day) window could potentially open up at that time."

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