(670 The Score) The Bears have ruled out quarterback Justin Fields against the Raiders on Sunday, leaving rookie Tyson Bagent as the team's starter.
Fields isn't expected to need surgery to repair his injured right thumb, head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters at Halas Hall on Friday. The Bears also believe Fields will avoid a stint on injured reserve, which would require him to miss a minimum of four games.
Fields dislocated his right thumb early in the third quarter of the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Vikings last Sunday at Soldier Field. He hoped to return in that game but struggled to grip the football and was ruled out.
As the Bears assess how Fields' injury is healing, they'll assess his grip strength of the football.
Fields has completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,201 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in six games this season. He has missed seven games over his three NFL seasons.
Bagent was 10-of-14 for 83 yards, one rushing touchdown and one interception in his NFL debut in relief of Fields on Sunday. An undrafted rookie out of Division-II Shepherd University, Bagent will make his first career NFL start Sunday.
The Bears also ruled out running back Roschon Johnson (concussion), safety Eddie Jackson (foot), right guard Nate Davis (high ankle sprain) and cornerback Terell Smith (mono). Safety Jaquan Brisker (groin), right tackle Darnell Wright (shoulder) and guard Dan Feeney (knee) are questionable to play.
The Bears (1-5) and Raiders (3-3) kick off at noon CT on Sunday from Soldier Field.
670 The Score's Mark Grote contributed to this report.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
