JustinFields

News: 5 days agoFields (thumb) is listed as inactive Thursday against the Panthers.

Spin: Since the Bears cleared Fields to practice last Friday, he's been listed as a limited participant on four consecutive injury reports. Still, he was doubtful to play the last two games and predictably wasn't able to suit up on either occasion. With a fourth straight absence on tap, Fields again will yield quarterback duties to undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent. Next week, Fields will aim to gain clearance to play for the first time since dislocating his right thumb Week 6 ahead of an NFC North road matchup with the Lions on Sunday, Nov. 19.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Fields is entering his third NFL season after an up-and-down 2022 campaign that included some major highs (top-seven fantasy scorer in eight straight games) and some concerning lows (60% completion rate, as well as an NFL-high 55 sacks and 16 fumbles in 15 games). Fields was unsurprisingly a major factor as a rusher, as he led all QBs in rushing yards (1,143), yards per carry (7.1) and scrambles (67) to go along with eight rush TDs. Fields is still on the ascent at age 24 and his supporting cast will be much better this season with DJ Moore joining Chase Claypool, Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. Fields' legs make him a solid QB1 target, but he's a candidate for a full-on breakout.