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Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields will not be playing in Week 18 and backup quarterback Nathan Peterman will take his place.
The Chicago Bears are scheduled to face the Minnesota Vikings in their last game of the season, but a sore hip will prevent Fields from playing in Week 18.
As per Bears reporter Brad Biggs, team's coach Matt Eberflus gave an update on the player:
"Bears coach Matt Eberflus says QB Justin Fields came in Monday morning with a sore hip and he had an MRI that shows a strain. He has been ruled OUT for Sunday's game. Nathan Peterman will start."
Justin Fields was on the verge of breaking the all-time single-season rushing yards record. The Chicago Bears QB will remain 64 yards shy from the record set by Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson had 1,206 rushing yards back in 2019, whereas Fields has had 1,143 yards in 15 games this season. The Bears QB also has eight rushing touchdowns this season.
The Bears playing with Nathan Peterman against the Vikings in Week 18 will likely help them to stay as the team with the second-worst record in the entire NFL. This would be good for their strategy for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Chicago will likely trade away the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft as they won't be drafting another quarterback. Either CJ Stroud or Bryce Young will be available at the second spot, and many teams will be willing to trade up and acquire one of them.
The Bears can later use their draft assets to improve their overall team and put a better supporting cast around Fields. If the Houston Texans lose in Week 18, the Bears could have the first overall pick for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Justin Fields has shown signs of improvement this season
There were serious doubts about Justin Fields after a poor rookie season, but the former Ohio State quarterback has played quite well in this campaign.
He has a passer rating of 85.2 with 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 15 games this season. In comparison, Fields had a passer rating of 73.2 for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 12 games in his rookie season, in 2021.
Despite having a poor supporting cast around him, Fields has been able to show glimpses of excellence. The Bears have a big offseason ahead of them. They have to nail the draft and free agency to maximize Fields' ability.
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