LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been in this position before, carrying the weight of expectations while managing an ailing body.
Fields has played through pain in his football career, but with that comes an enhanced health risk that must be assessed. With the Bears (3-9) struggling and all parties understanding that prioritizing the health of Fields' injured left shoulder is crucial, he finds comfort knowing there are more important games in the long-term future.
“It makes my decision easier looking at the long term,” Fields said of being sidelined.
Fields watched the Bears’ 31-10 loss to the Jets last Sunday from the sideline in an overcoat soaked in rain. It was his first missed game of the season.
After being a limited participant in practice last week and again Wednesday, Fields was a full participant in practice Thursday afternoon at Halas Hall, an indication that he could return when the Bears (3-9) host the Packers (4-8) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Fields has completed 59.6% of his passes for 1,642 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games while adding 122 carries for 834 yards and seven scores on the ground. Prior to his injury, he led a historic run of success for the Bears’ rushing attack, but now he and the team are attempting to regroup from his injury.
Fields is still a young quarterback seeking growth in what's left of the season.
“We continue to get better,” Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. “The film room sessions have been really good. He was locked in last week. He did a great job with that. He's locked in again. We just got to make sure we continue to progress and he's got to continue to develop, he's got to continue to get these experiences so that we can continue to learn from them, he can grow.
“It stinks that he wasn't able to be out there because he needs as many opportunities and experiences as he can. But obviously we're not going to risk it for just anything.”
Whenever Fields does return this season, he'll face a greater challenge in leading the offense. Top receiver Darnell Mooney will miss the rest of the season and is expected to undergo surgery on his injured ankle, which he hurt this past Sunday.
While Fields has thrived in leading the Bears’ league-leading rushing attack, their passing game remains dead last in the NFL. Now, Fields needs to develop better chemistry with receivers like Chase Claypool, Velus Jones Jr. and N’Keal Harry while looking to finish the season strong.
“It’s an opportunity,” Fields said. “I’m excited to build that connection more with other receivers on the team. So, I think it’s going to be fun finding out what different guys can do because in our offense we usually game plan on certain routes what Darnell could do.
"All quarterbacks (want to throw). But I'm willing to do whatever to help my team put points on the board. Whatever that is, if it’s throwing, it’s throwing, if it’s running. If we put points on the board ― points equal wins.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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