CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Bears quarterback Justin Fields' health is uncertain after he suffered a right hand injury during his team's 19-13 loss to the Vikings on Sunday at Soldier Field.
X-rays were negative on Fields' right hand, but he'll undergo an MRI and further testing Monday to determine the extent of the injury, coach Matt Eberflus said. Fields wanted to return to the game Sunday but couldn't properly grip the football to throw, Eberflus said.
"We'll see where it is (Monday) when we get the MRI," Eberflus said of Fields' status.
Fields was sacked on a third-and-7 play with 10:43 left in the third quarter and appeared to suffer the injury while landing. He was initially evaluated in the Bears' medical tent on the sideline and then was taken through the northwest tunnel of Soldier Field for further evaluation in the locker room.
In Fields' absence, the Bears turned to backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, an undrafted rookie out of Division-II Shepherd University. On his first drive, Bagent fumbled while under pressure and the Vikings returned it 42 yards for a touchdown to take a 19-6 lead. In the fourth quarter, Bagent led a touchdown drive but later threw an interception on an underthrown pass to star receiver DJ Moore, a play that sealed Chicago's fate in its loss.
Bagent, 23, was named the Bears' backup quarterback two weeks ago over veteran Nathan Peterman. He's expected to continue as Chicago's quarterback if Fields is required to miss time.
Fields was 6-of-10 for 58 yards and an interception prior to his injury. Bagent was 10-of-14 for 83 yards and an interception in his first NFL action.
"I was excited to get out there," Bagent said. "Obviously, butterflies, playing in front of so many people and the stakes are high in the NFL. But I felt really prepared."
Now in his third NFL season, Fields has dealt with multiple injuries that have cost him games. As a rookie in 2021, he missed five games while dealing with cracked ribs and later a positive COVID-19 test. In 2022, he missed one game with a shoulder injury and one with a hip ailment.
The Bears are preparing for the possibility that Fields will be forced to miss time once again.
"Obviously, it sucks to see you guy go down," tight end Cole Kmet said. "But I thought we did a good job rallying around Tyson there. Tyson took great control of the huddle.
"Wish we could've gotten a victory in the end."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.