LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – Tyson Bagent will make his fourth straight start at quarterback for the Bears on Thursday as Justin Fields was listed as doubtful to play as he continues to recover from a thumb injury.
Fields has been recovering from a dislocated right thumb, which he suffered in a game on Oct. 15. Fields has practiced in a limited fashion since returning to the field last Friday, but as of Wednesday afternoon, he hadn’t been medically cleared for game action.
“He’s had no setbacks," head coach Matt Eberflus said of Fields. "He’s progressing in the right direction.”
While Eberflus announced that Bagent will start against the Panthers, the Bears didn't yet officially rule out Fields as they hope for him to work out prior to kickoff Thursday night.
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 since stepping in for Fields.
In other injury news, the Bears ruled out linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (knee), right guard Nate Davis (ankle), cornerback Terell Smith (mono) and fullback Khari Blasingame (concussion) for Thursday. Running back Khalil Herbert (ankle), receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (hamstring) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (hamstring) are questionable to play.
Herbert, St. Brown and Blackwell would each need to be officially activated from injured reserve by Thursday afternoon in order to play. Corresponding roster moves would be required for their potential activations.
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.