Justin Fields Not Up to Return

Tyson Bagent gets a chance to make up for a dismal finish to Sunday's Bears loss against New Orleans.

Coach Matt Eberflus said Bagent is starting at quarterback Thursday against the Carolina Panthers after his three turnovers late in the game led to a 24-17 loss Sunday to New Orleans.

Justin Fields is simply not yet ready to return from a dislocated thumb after leaving the game against Minnesota Oct. 15 with the injury.

"He's not medically cleared to go right now," Eberflus said. "He's getting better, though. Accuracy's improving. He's throwing it better. And he's starting to do more and more and more.

"So we'll see it where it goes. Right now, we're listing him as doubtful. And we'll see where it goes from there."

Eberflus wouldn't be pinned down on which specific aspect of playing quarterback will be a problem for Fields if he is playing.

"It's everything," Eberflus said. "It's all.

"It's just all improving. The grip strength, the accuracy, the ability to function as a quarterback. It's all right there. It's getting close."

The four starts missed means the Bears actually could have had Fields on injured reserve if they had wanted, although it seems Fields has not progressed slowly.

"He had no setbacks," Eberflus said. "It's been progressing in the right direction. He's doing good."

Ruled out for the game by the Bears were fullback Khari Blasingame (concussion), guard Nate Davis (ankle), linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (knee) and cornerback Terell Smith (illness).

Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (hamstring), running back Khalil Herbert (ankle) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (hamstring) are questionable. All three are on injured reserve and this week began their 21-day window to be considered for return.

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