Justin Fields update: Chicago Bears QB 'in a good spot' to start Lions week

LAKE FOREST — The Chicago Bears got some extended time off following their 16-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football.

The team returned to Halas Hall on Monday for a light practice in helmets. Coach Matt Eberflus said the team worked on individuals, some special teams and did a walk-through towards the end of practice.

Here are some takeaways from Monday at Halas Hall.

Justin Fields health update

Eberflus started the press conference by saying he didn’t have any updates on injuries and will wait until Wednesday to release the first injury report of the week leading up to the Week 11 matchup with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

Justin Fields participated in Monday’s practice and was seen throwing into the target net while working on his dropback. His right thumb was wrapped with what appeared to be athletic tape, but Eberflus didn’t confirm what it was when asked what was on Fields’ right hand.

Monday #Bears practice photos featuring Justin Fields. pic.twitter.com/tLeyKMOLVX

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) November 13, 2023

Eberflus was asked about Fields and how he looked throwing the football.

“We’re evaluating that as we go,” Eberflus said. “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 any more updates other than that, but in terms of him throwing the ball, it looks to be good.”

Eberflus also mentioned the team needs more time and for Fields to be involved in team practice activities to better assess where the quarterback is at with his injured right thumb.

“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.”

Shuffling offensive line?

Teven Jenkins has been a stable force at the right guard position for the Bears since he took over for an injured Nate Davis in Week 7. According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins hasn’t allowed a sack in six games and has only given up two quarterback hits.

With Jenkins playing so well at right guard, the team may have an interesting decision to make whenever Nate Davis is set to return from his injury. Eberflus was asked if there would be an O-line shuffle.

“The combinations there are gonna be a discussion that we have to have, for sure,” Eberflus said. “Nate’s a good player. Cody’s a good player. Teven’s a good player. So it’s a good problem to have. We’ll look at it and put our best five out there that we’re gonna put out there for the Lions.”

According to Eberflus, Davis along with Jenkins and Cody Whitehair are all “able to flip and play” along the interior offensive line.

Spoke with #Bears guard Teven Jenkins in the locker room.

I asked him what it was like going up against Derrick Brown.

Jenkins compared him to Dexter Lawrence and said he really hasn't gone against many players that are as strong or stronger than him.

Jenkins also mentioned…

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) November 13, 2023

What Eberflus sees in Lions

This Week 11 matchup at Ford Field will be the first time the Bears will face Lions this season. In 2022, the Lions won both games, including a 41-10 blowout of the Bears in Detroit.

The Lions are currently 7-2 and first in the NFC North. A big reason the Lions are in their current position is because of the offense. The Lions are second in yards per game (406.4), sixth in points per game (26.8) and Jared Goff is fourth in the league in passing yards (2,507).

Here is what Eberflus had to say about the Lions’ offense.

“I would say balance, the ability to distribute the ball, and if you look at their production, where it comes from, obviously the backs are a big part of what they do, the addition of the new back that they have, an explosive player, with (David) Montgomery, that’s really a ying and a yang type of situation that’s really good for them,” Eberflus said. “Obviously the rising of their tight end, (Sam) LaPorta, I think he does a really good job in that offense. And then their receiving corps. You’ve got (Amon-Ra) St. Brown, who’s a big part of their production as well. Being able to distribute the ball to those guys equally. That’s what makes it so hard to defend.”