Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears is questionable after his first practice since dislocating his thumb.
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS (AP) — Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears is coming closer to returning to the field.
Fields practiced for the first time since dislocating his thumb against Minnesota last month on Friday, and he was labeled as questionable for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
“He’s progressing day by day now, so it’s good to see and take the next step in that progression,” said coach Matt Eberflus. “He was dialed in on the game plan the whole week, as he’s been the last couple weeks.”
Eberflus went on to say that Fields is “…doubtful for the game, which is 51% out, but we’ll see where it progresses through this weekend and onto the start of next week as well.”
The Bears play Carolina at home on Thursday night, and Fields’ comeback for that game appears more likely than on Sunday. Eberflus confirmed earlier this week that Tyson Bagent would start against the Saints and that Fields would be out. But that was before Fields’ status was changed to questionable.
Fields was throwing with a glove on Friday and has no further thumb restraints.
It’s not entirely recovered, and there’s still some soreness, but as I said, I’ve been preparing as if I’m going to play, with meetings, walkthroughs, and staying focused,” Fields said.
Whether he is able to play will be determined by how he feels after Friday’s initial work, which will include a restricted practice.
“We’ll see just how it feels Sunday,” he went on to say. “It felt good first day back throwing today, but I have to use a glove right now, but it’s progressing.”
Grip strength and his ability to avoid further damage will determine whether he is available Sunday or next Thursday.
“I just want to know if I’ll be able to make all of the throws and withstand hits and stuff like that in the game,” he added.
Fields said he never expected to need surgery because MRIs revealed little damage, despite the fact that his thumb was bent out of position.
“To be honest, like, when it happened it really didn’t hurt that bad,” he told me. “Like, I looked at my thumb and it just looked crazy.”
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (knee) and safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) are also out for the game, although safety Eddie Jackson is expected to return from a foot ailment this week. Edmunds will be replaced as middle linebacker by strongside linebacker Jack Sanborn.
In addition, starting left tackle Braxton Jones could return. He’s been on injured reserve since Week 2, but he participated in his first full practice on Friday and is eligible to return.
