The Chicago Bears lost quarterback Justin Fields to a right hand injury in the third quarter as they fell to the Minnesota Vikings 19-13 on Sunday.
It’s unclear how seriously injured Fields’ pitching hand is and how long he might be out for. Coach Matt Eberflus stated during the post-game press conference that Fields’ hand’s X-rays were negative. On Monday, the quarterback will have an MRI.
Later on Sunday, according to a Fox Sports report, Fields dislocated his thumb but managed to pop it back in and try to continue the game. Finally, according to the story, he was unable to hold the football.
On Chicago’s first possession of the third quarter, Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter sacked Fields. Fields dropped back to pass on third-and-7 from the Minnesota 48-yard line while running toward the opposing sideline to avoid pressure. Hunter attempted to flip the ball to running back Darrynton Evans while Fields was on the ground after being sacked from behind by Hunter.
Fields broke his fall and landed awkwardly on his right arm.
Fields returned to the locker room after visiting the injury tent while wearing a towel over his right hand. He was initially labeled as uncertain to return before being eliminated shortly after.
Fields reportedly tried to rejoin the game but was unable to toss the ball because of his inability to hold it. Against Minnesota’s heavy blitz, the 25-year-old quarterback completed 6-of-10 passes for 58 yards and an interception. He also ran for 46 yards on eight occasions.
After the game, Eberflus claimed he briefly chatted with Fields.
Fields was replaced by rookie Tyson Bagent, who holds Division II records for overall throwing yards (17,034) and touchdowns (171) as well as the NCAA record for career touchdown passes (159). He signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent in May, and on cutdown day, he edged out current Browns quarterback PJ Walker for a spot on the team’s original 53-man roster.
The Bears’ depth chart recently moved a Shepherd University product up to QB2 above Nathan Peterman, who started Sunday as Chicago’s backup quarterback.
Three plays after taking over for Fields, Bagent’s NFL debut was marred when he was strip-sacked by Vikings safety Josh Metellus. In order to give the Vikings a 19-6 lead, Minnesota linebacker Jordan Hicks recovered Bagent’s fumble and went 46 yards down the home team’s sideline for a touchdown.
After three drives, Bagent led the Bears 77 yards downfield in 4:56 and scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak to cut Minnesota’s lead to 19-13. Bagent completed his previous seven throws before underthrowing Bears wide receiver DJ Moore on Chicago’s final drive, which had the potential to win the game.
Bagent completed 10-of-14 shots for 83 yards and a pick.
If Fields is out, Eberflus claimed the Bears had a backup quarterback lined up. Eberflus declined to comment when asked how Chicago’s offensive identity may change with Bagent at quarterback, saying that he would have to wait for the findings of Fields’ MRI before making any pronouncements.
Bagent has played sparingly in each of Chicago’s three preseason games up until Sunday’s defeat. He is the lone quarterback in Division II on the 53-man league roster right now.
