LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Preparing amid a condensed schedule in this short week, the Bears are still uncertain as to whether quarterback Justin Fields will be healthy enough to return to action when they host the Panthers on Thursday.
The decision on Fields' availability could be made close to kickoff, a fact that creates challenges for everyone involved. Even so, the Bears' scheme will remain the same regardless of whether it’s Fields or rookie Tyson Bagent starting at quarterback, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said Tuesday.
“I don't think from everybody else's perspective in that room other than the two quarterbacks, it's not going to feel like it's a different game plan by any means if we go one direction or the other,” Getsy said.
Fields was listed as a limited participant as the Bears held a walk-through Tuesday. It marked his third session of work with the team since he suffered a dislocated right thumb on Oct. 15. He returned to practice last Friday. The Bears are still getting a sense of how Fields can handle his throws and whether it’s medically wise to have him return at this point.
The Bears held a walk-through Monday as well. Despite not conducting their usual full practice, the Bears are confident they can still get a true evaluation of Fields’ status.
“It always comes down to the medical staff clearing him,” head coach Matt Eberflus said of Fields. “How the player feels he can function in the game and the coaches looking at him and saying, ‘Hey, yes he can function at a high level, he can get the job done.’ It’s always those three factors.
“If Justin is there and is available and functional, we’ll go with him.”
Fields has completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,201 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in six games this season. Bagent has completed 67.3% of his passes for 697 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions in four games.
Bagent has started the last three games in place of Fields, with veteran Nathan Peterman serving as the backup.
In other injury updates, right guard Nate Davis (ankle), linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (knee), cornerback Terell Smith (mono) and fullback Khari Blasingame (concussion) didn't participate in the Bears' walk-through Tuesday. Tight end Cole Kmet (knee) was a full participant after being held out Monday.
The Bears (2-7) and Panthers (1-7) kick off at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.