CHGO Digest: Fields speaks, Hendricks joins pen, Eloy injured

Happy Thursday, friends!

How are we supposed to feel about Justin Fields?

Is he appointment television for Bears fans if he overtakes Russell Wilson as the starter in Pittsburgh?

Sure, Fields may not have lived up to the hype in Chicago, but he also played his butt off for three years and was the most gifted, frustrating, and polarizing quarterback this franchise has seen in decades.

Should we care? Should we feel strongly about his success away from Chicago, or is it Bear goggles on, hopelessly devoted to Caleb Williams?

Hit reply with your thoughts and we’ll include the best responses on Monday!

— Patrick Norton

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Justin Fields speaks to media for first time since trade

Sometimes a fresh start works out for everybody involved.

Justin Fields has a clean slate and a legitimate shot to compete with Russell Wilson for the Steelers’ starting job throughout the season, and the Bears have a real shot at having a generational talent at quarterback for the first time ever with Caleb Williams.

With OTAs starting up throughout the NFL this week, Fields had a chance to address the trade from Chicago for the first time since arriving in Pittsburgh.

• Fields praised Ryan Poles’ effort in sending the 25-year-old to his preferred destination, saying “Shoutout to Poles, we communicated to him through my agent, and I told him where I wanted to be and this was a place I wanted to be.”
  
• “He honored that,” the former Bear said. “I appreciate him for that and glad he was able to put me in a spot where I wanted to be at.”
  
• There was a lot of ups and downs,” Fields admitted. “But all in all, I appreciate every relationship that I built, all my teammates. They know that nothing but love for the city, for the fans and for my old teammates and coaches.”
  

📺 WATCH | The CHGO Bears Podcast discusses Fields’ comments and whether Matt Eberflus is the right guy at the right time for the Chicago Bears.

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Join CHGO across the pond!

The dates are set! The Chicago Bears are going to London in October, and so is CHGO! Put down a deposit today with TrueFan Travel to reserve your spot with us!

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Kyle Hendricks embracing move to bullpen

Kyle Hendricks is more than just a reliever to Cubs fans. He’ll always be the The Professor: beloved Game 7 starter in the 2016 World Series, and the guy that somehow never won a Cy Young.

But to the 2024 Chicago Cubs, Kyle Hendricks is … just a reliever.

• The move to the ‘pen comes after Hendricks’ abysmal beginning to his 11th year with the Cubs, wearing a 10.57 ERA and an 0-4 record. While Craig Counsell says the team’s decision is hopefully not permanent, Hendricks is looking forward to the new challenge.
  
• Hendricks addressed reporters before the game on Wednesday, calling the move “a big opportunity to turn things around, work on some things and get some game action, and just try and contribute — help the team win any way I can.”
  

📖 READ | CHGO’s Ryan Herrera details the importance of Dansby Swanson’s and Nico Hoerner’s return to the lineup and to the middle of the infield.

⚾ TODAY | Cubs vs. Braves — 1:20 on Marquee Sports Network

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Join CHGO on a trip to Wrigley North!

Join the CHGO Cubs crew for a trip up north to Milwaukee on June 29! Brats, beverages, and a battle for the NL Central!

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Roundup: Eloy to the IL, Cardoso nearing return for Sky

• Eloy Jimenez is back on the 10-day IL. The White Sox outfielder left Tuesday’s victory after straining his hamstring while rounding third base in the 5th inning. According to Fox Sports, it is the 20th injury sustained by the 27-year-old in his MLB career. It is Jimenez’s second trip to the IL this season.
  
• The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft is nearing her league debut. Kamilla Cardoso has missed the team’s first two regular season games since leaving the Sky’s first preseason contest with a shoulder injury. But according to herself on Instagram Live, Cardoso’s aiming to return to the lineup on June 1 against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
  

⚾ TONIGHT | White Sox vs. Orioles — 6:40 on NBC Sports Chicago

🏀 TONIGHT | Sky at Liberty — 6:00 on Marquee Sports Network, Prime Video

🎟️ WHITE SOX TAKEOVER | Join the CHGO White Sox crew at Guaranteed Rate Field on Memorial Day, May 27!

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Yes, please.

This Bears x Hard Knocks edit goes HARD!

🎥 : @dwcprodz pic.twitter.com/5uDSqQmzPd

— CHGO Sports (@CHGO_Sports) May 22, 2024

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More on CHGO!

• Become a Diehard to see part one of Nicholas Moreano’s three-part film study into Keenan Allen’s prolonged NFL success and what he brings to the 2024 Chicago Bears.
  
• Will Gottlieb interviews Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls about his defensive prowess and if he might consider coaching after his playing career.