Justin Fields returns to practice ... Could he play against the Saints on Sunday?

Justin Fields returned to practice on Friday at Halas Hall.

The Bears’ quarterback was limited and is currently listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

“We’ll see,” Fields said when asked if he could play against the Saints. “So, I’ve been mentally preparing like, you know, I have been like I’m going to play. But we’ll see just how it feels Sunday.”

Fields practiced for the first time since he dislocated his right thumb against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6 on October 15.

“It felt good, but first day back throwing today,” Fields said. “I have to use a glove right now, but it’s progressing.”

Fields told reporters on Friday that he isn’t wearing anything under the glove to help with protection. The glove, according to Fields, helps make it easier to throw the football right now, since his grip strength is still recovering.

“It’s not fully back,” Fields said on his grip strength. “And there’s, of course, still a little bit of pain. But, you know, like I said, I’ve been, you know, preparing like I’m, you know, going to play, and meetings, walkthroughs and just been locked in.”

Fields did acknowledge that it’s “been tough” going so long without being able to throw a football, but he’s been focused on helping Tyson Bagent and his fellow teammates prepare in any way that he can.

Fields also revealed there was never a concern that he would need surgery for his dislocated right thumb with the MRI coming back negative.

In the next 48 hours, Fields plans to get more rehab, treatment, and overall keeping his same routine that he normally would do if he was playing. He’ll just wait to see how his thumb feels on Saturday since this Friday throwing session was the most he has thrown.

If Fields cannot play against the Saints, it’s a quick turnaround for the Week 10 matchup with the Panthers, who come to Chicago to play on Thursday Night Football.

Fields was asked about his confidence to play against Carolina.

“Like I said, I mean, I don’t know,” Fields said. “It’s just going to be day by day to be honest with you. I’ve been progressing each and every day, but we’ll see.”

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