Hot Topics for Thursday Night
With this Thursday's matchup deciding if we go 50/50 going into week 7, there will be a lot of eyes on Fields tomorrow night. So in that spirit here are some things to look out for this week.
COMMANDERS PLAYER TO WATCH: Rookie RB Brian Robinson plays his second game in five days, less than seven weeks since being shot twice in the right leg in an attempted robbery. He had nine carries for 22 yards rushing in his NFL debut against Tennessee on Sunday. With run-pass balance becoming one of Washington's biggest issues, expect a bigger workload for the third-round pick out of Alabama, who impressed in training camp and preseason action and was expected to be the starter before the shooting.
BEARS PLAYER TO WATCH: QB Justin Fields. Fields finally showed signs of progress last week as he adapts to his second offense in as many NFL seasons. The former Ohio State star completed 15 of 21 passes while setting career highs in completion rate (71.4 percent) and passer rating (118.8) against Minnesota. He threw for a season-high 208 yards and a touchdown.
KEY MATCHUP: Bears DE Robert Quinn vs. Commanders LT Charles Leno. Quinn, who set a franchise record with 18 1/2 sacks last season, has just one. Maybe this is a chance to get going, facing a former Bear.
KEY INJURIES: QB Carson Wentz has been limited in practice with a sore right shoulder, but downplayed any concern about the injury. ... Rookie WR Jahan Dotson is expected to miss a second consecutive game with an injured hamstring. ... TE Logan Thomas did not practice Tuesday because of a calf injury. ... The Bears secondary figures to get a big boost, with CB Jaylon Johnson (quad) expected back after missing three consecutive games. ... WR N'Keal Harry (high ankle sprain) was activated from injured reserve on Monday.
SERIES NOTES: Chicago had lost seven straight to Washington before winning in 2019. ... Commanders coach Ron Rivera played his entire nine-year NFL career as a linebacker for the Bears from 1984-92. He played all three games for the '85 Bears on their championship run, and was the defensive coordinator of the 2006 team that advanced to the Super Bowl.
