Justin Fields Decision Entirely Medical
It might be Packers week but the rivalry will not influence coach Matt Eberflus into making some sort of emotional decision to use Justin Fields before his shoulder has properly healed.
Eberflus didn't get overly excited about the first Packer week and, in fact, seemed to downplay it entirely before the 27-10 loss in Week 2 at Green Bay. Obviously, Fields' availability will be made entirely based on his shoulder being ready.
'Yep. It’s Packers week, so certainly we’ll have more optimism and more excitement for those decisions," Eberflus said. "But it’ll still come down to see if he’s ready. If he’s ready, he’s ready and that’s going to come down to strength and mobility and if it is that way, he’s got a green light."
At least there has been some improvement in Fields' condition.
"He’s feeling better," Eberflus said.
The Bears didn't feel Fields had the strength in his left shoulder to protect himself on Sunday in the 31-10 loss to the Jets, so Trevor Siemian played. Siemian threw for 179 yards, 9 more than Fields averages, but the Bears missed Fields' running ability greatly when it came to extending drives.
To play, the Bears have said Fields must pass three levels. He needs to feel good enough, he needs medical clearance and then he needs approval from decision makers Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles.
Eberflus said Fields was 0-for-3 at clearing the required hurdles against the Jets.
"But if he’s ready to go, 100 percent like I said last week, to protect himself and play the way he does, and performing the way he does, and the doctors clear him—Ryan and I say he looks good and he feels good about it, then it’s a green light," Eberflus said.
If he misses the Packers game, the Bears QB would get four weeks away from taking hits on his shoulder because the Bears have their late bye next week.
Tight end Cole Kmet is already hoping out loud that Aaron Rodgers is healthy enough to start at Soldier Field over Jordan Love.
"Yeah, bring it on, you know?," Kmet said. "I mean, why wouldn't you? He's the staple of their franchise and you know to get an opportunity to go beat him, you know, it would always be a good feeling.
"So, yeah, I would like to see Aaron out there for sure."
Of course, Kmet doesn't have to defend Rodgers' passing.
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