Justin Fields Engages in Monday's Training Session, Yet Bears Remain Cautious About His Week 11 Status
The Chicago Bears received a promising update on the health front as quarterback Justin Fields took part in Monday's practice session, preparing for the next match with the Detroit Lions.
In a quirky twist, there's visual evidence of Fields' participation in practice. However, those clips will soon vanish, in compliance with outdated and perplexing regulations from the team's leadership:
The start of Lions Week features Justin Fields practicing his throws on Monday practice
Putting aside the peculiar policy on video content for a team that hasn't needed such secrecy since the 1980s, it's genuinely uplifting to witness Fields engage in fundamental quarterback exercises. It's particularly noteworthy to observe him handling snaps from under center, considering he experienced discomfort in similar drills before the Week 10 Thursday Night Football game against the Carolina Panthers. Thus, Fields' involvement in these exercises is a significant and share-worthy update. The term 'encouraging' also springs to mind, with such small developments sparking a positive tone for the week.
When asked for an update on Fields' readiness for the Bears' Week 11 clash with the leading NFC North Detroit Lions, Head Coach Matt Eberflus kept cards close to his chest.
"We'll make a call once we've seen him in action during a real game scenario, facing the scout team and playing at full throttle," Eberflus commented, as reported by the Tribune. "But we're not at that point today."
Furthermore, Coach Eberflus sidestepped confirming whether Fields had been medically cleared for play. Last week, it was announced that Fields had not been cleared, which led to his absence in the game against the Panthers. Eberflus' evasion might be a strategic move (keeping the Lions guessing about the quarterback for Chicago's 3-7 lineup) or simply a matter of transparency (perhaps Eberflus was genuinely unaware of Fields' medical clearance status during the Monday press briefing). Either way, the lack of a direct answer is slightly frustrating.
Anticipating Justin Fields' ReturnFields' light practice involvement is undoubtedly a positive development for the Bears, who are eager to reverse their fortunes. Following an initial 0-4 season start, they've gone even in their last six games. A strengthening defense has been pivotal, and the offense has managed to keep pace, largely thanks to a solid ground game. Fields' skill in long-range passing, particularly to receivers D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney, has the potential to boost the team's competitive edge and entertainment value as the season progresses. Most crucially, Fields getting back on the field will provide the coaching staff and front office crucial evaluation opportunities before the offseason begins in earnest.
With top draft picks like Drake Maye and Caleb Williams showing inconsistency and the Bears' draft position not yet finalized, it's an opportune moment to assess if Fields can demonstrate enough in the remaining games to solidify his place on the team. The forthcoming schedule pits the Bears against playoff contenders including the Lions (twice), Vikings, and Browns, which should offer clear insights. However, such clarity is contingent on Fields' active game participation. So, the watch continues.
| POLL | ||
15 NOVEMBRE | 31 ANSWERS Justin Fields Engages in Monday's Training Session, Yet Bears Remain Cautious About His Week 11 Status Will Justin Fields play this Sunday? | ||
| yes | 22 | 71 % |
| No | 9 | 29 % |
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