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As the Chicago Bears face the 6-4 New York Jets on the road at Metlife Stadium, they will be without their quarterback, Justin Fields.
Fields was questionable for Sunday's game all week, but it was reported late Saturday, November 26th, that the second-year quarterback would miss today's game.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter provided an update on Fields' status and tweeted that he'd be out:
"Justin Fields, listed as questionable for Sunday due to his separated shoulder, is not expected to play vs. the Jets, per sources. Bears are expected to start QB Trevor Siemian, and the team also promoted Nathan Peterman from the practice squad Saturday to serve as the backup QB."
During last Sunday's loss against the Atlanta Falcons, Fields separated his shoulder in the game. On Wednesday, he was described as having an AC joint injury with some torn ligaments.
Backup quarterback Trevor Siemian will get the start today against one of his former teams, the New York Jets, as Nathan Peterman will be the backup.
Reasons why Justin Fields is not playing
Justin Fields suffered an injury that was easily missed in Week 11 versus the Atlanta Falcons. He thought he had dislocated his shoulder, but still managed to finish the game, which they lost 27-24. It was clear something was wrong with him, but the extent of the injury was uncertain until after the game. It appears he has torn or strained the ligaments in his shoulder, which presents a few problems.
The injury hampers his ability to not only throw, but to rush too, a major part of his game. Another issue is that if he is sacked or tackled, the injury could get worse. If the Bears were to start Fields, they would be risking his development and future. With a 3-8 record, it would be a very strange move, given that their playoff hopes are almost over and are possibly looking to get a decent draft position in 2023.
When will Justin Fields play again?
While there seemed to be a chance of Fields stepping on the field today vs. the New York Jets, he will be forced to miss today's action. This will be the first game he'll miss this season.
There is no timetable for Fields' injury, but it seems he could suit up next week, as he has been questionable all week. However, having torn ligaments in your shoulder could be a serious injury for a quarterback, and Fields could wind up missing multiple games.
Justin Fields has had a much improved season this year since his rookie season. He struggled like most as a rookie and finished the season 2-8 as the starting quarterback. He's currently 3-8 as the starter this season with more improved numbers.
He threw seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season with a passer rating of 73.2. He had 420 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
This season, he has 13 passing touchdowns to eight interceptions. He's found his special weapon and has been using his legs more, as he's rushed for 834 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Fields won the NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 9, 2022) and FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week (Week 10, 2022.) He also set the record for most rushing yards in a game for a quarterback with 178.
For the Bears' sake, hopefully, they will be without Fields for today's game only. The Bears will face the Green Bay Packers next week.
