Why It's Looking Good For Justin Fields

While Bears coach Matt Eberflus avoided any commitments to Justin Fields as starting quarterback Sunday against the Detroit Lions, trends appear positive.

Especially with Fields' ability to pass, the thumb dislocation appears to be of less concern.

"We're evaluating that as we go," Eberflus said Monday after a light practice. "I think they look good. I think he's in a good spot.

"Again, we'll know exactly where we're gonna be probably more on Wednesday. I don't really have anymore updates other than that, but in terms of him throwing the ball, it looks to be good."

It's not all passing that they're looking at in the evaluation of his thumb injury.

"Just functioning in the game of football," Eberflus said. "That's the big part of it and that's really the only update I have.

"Once we see him in the game of football in terms of going against the scout team and all that stuff and taking snaps and playing full speed, then we'll make a determination, but it's not there today."

The Bears only did some individual work at Monday's short practice. Fields did have some athletic tape on his right hand at practice.

"Yeah like he said, he's tried different things," Eberflus said. "You know he started with the glove, then he put the thumb out, that's just the way that he feels comfortable," Eberflus said.

If Fields is back, the offense takes on a more multidimensional look than it did under backup Tyson Bagent. The three years in the offense makes a difference in knowledge.

"And then the ability to stretch the field vertically and horizontally in the run game as well and then having to be able to really focus on, in the passing game, the ability to run in a drop-back pass or in a boot situation and really hurt you that way.

"So there’s a lot of things he really brings to the table. And again, when he's healthy, he'll be back; he's our starter. We'll see where it is."

Fields did have some athletic tape on his right hand at practice.

"Yeah like he said, he's tried different things," Eberflus said. "You know he started with the glove, then he put the thumb out, that's just the way that he feels comfortable," Eberflus said.

Fields has talked only once with media since the injury. That occurred after his first limited practice a week and a half ago. Eberflus said his QB's attitude remains upbeat about a return.

"He's been positive the entire way," Eberflus said. "He's always gonna be positive. He's a worker. He's always optimistic with where he's at and he feels he's at a good spot right now, so again, we'll know more once we get the team (drills) done (at practice)."

And that will be Wednesday.

To decide on Fields as starter now is a simple matter.

"We just need more time," Eberflus said. "We need that and we'll eventually get there. We're just not there right now."

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