Justin Fields started the year off hot for the Chicago Bears.
He faced a lot of criticism throughout the offseason, with naysayers indicating that he wasn’t a good fit to lead this team.
Fields responded accordingly, throwing for over 200 yards in four of six games to begin the year.
He put up a 335-yard performance against the Denver Broncos and threw for 282 against the Washington Commanders.
Just when things were looking up for him and the Bears, Fields got injured during their matchup with the Minnesota Vikings on October 15th and hasn’t played since.
Recent comments from the Bears have indicated that Fields could return to play soon.
However, a recent press conference from Matt Eberflus has left fans confused.
According to Eberflus via Daniel Greenberg, “Right now, we’re listing him as doubtful.”
The Bears are slated to take on the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football.
The ‘doubtful’ designation is generally a clear indication that a player will not suit up for that week’s game.
However, after saying this, Eberflus made reporters and fans second-guess this designation.
When a reporter asked him about the difference between declaring fields as ‘out’ versus ‘doubtful,’ Eberflus provided a non-committal response.
He said, “We’ll see” to this reporter, leaving the door open for Fields to appear on Thursday Night Football.
At 2-7 on the year, the Bears are likely out of the playoff race.
Even if Fields does play in this game, and plays well, he could risk further injury for the 2024 season and beyond.
