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Hoge's Bears Things: What's going on with Justin Fields' status for the Panthers game?

November 9, 2023

Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Happy game day, Bears fans.

Here are some things I’m thinking about this morning as the Bears get ready to play the Panthers…

• I’m surprised Justin Fields isn’t playing tonight. And I know some inside Halas Hall are surprised too. One source I spoke with expected Fields to return last week against the Saints. Is Fields 100 percent? No. But he might not be 100 percent in 11 days against the Lions either. Based on what I saw in practice Wednesday — and it’s admittedly a small portion of practice we get to see — I saw a quarterback capable of playing tonight. Coupling this knowledge with Matt Eberflus’ odd “doubtful but out” press conference yesterday — well, something doesn’t add up ...