Justin Fields has been a revelation in recent weeks with his rushing ability driving a major increase in the Bears’ offensive production. His shoulder injury has left both his short- and long-term availability in question, however. 
When speaking to the media, Fields provided further clarity on his diagnosis. The 23-year-old indicated, via Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, that he has a separated left shoulder with partially torn ligaments. That differs from initial reports that he had dislocated his non-throwing shoulder. Fields has been classified as day-to-day.
At practice on Wednesday, Fields suffered sufficient pain that he admitted he would have to be feeling much better to be able to suit up on Sunday against the Jets. As was the case yesterday, the 2021 first-rounder was classified as a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Fields is leaving the door open to playing without missing any game action, though.
“If I can play and I’m not furthering the risk of injury and I can do what I need to do to protect myself, that’ll be good enough for me to play,” the Ohio State alum said. He added that he would receive a painkilling injection prior to kickoff in the event he was cleared to play, but that he is unsure at this point if he would wear a harness or brace to protect the injured shoulder.
Fields has taken a step forward in Year 2, after a rocky rookie season and questions about his passing ability lingering well into 2022. He has thrown 11 touchdowns over his past seven games, albeit with four interceptions and 24 sacks being included in that stretch. With significant upticks in his passer rating, not to mention his usage and effectiveness on the ground, Fields has become the focal point of an offense which sits at the polar extremes with respect to rushing (best in the league) and passing (worst) averages, but mid-pack in overall scoring.
If Fields is unable to play in Week 12, Chicago will give the nod to veteran Trevor Siemian. Depending on how things progress in the coming days, however, he may not be needed when the Bears look to snap their four-game losing streak.
I appreciate his tough it out attitude but with no shot at the playoffs, I hope they don’t rush him back.
Yeah if he plays he can just hang in pocket and air it out… haha this is a game he should absolutely sit.
This was nothing more than a feint to give the Jets something to think about.
Fields isn’t playing with that bum shoulder, as he only became somewhat effective when he decided to start running the ball at every opportunity. A banged up shoulder takes that strategy off the table – thus he would need to go back to his previous brand of football, i.e, trying to throw the ball to people who aren’t open – which given the quality of the Jets defense sounds like a ticket to a very painful sack-filled afternoon.
I believe the weather forecast is calling for rain in East Rutherford on Sunday so betting UNDER looks like a no brainer.
Fields will be on the field Sunday against the Jets, on the sideline. No way he plays. Take it to the bank.