NEWSLETTER
While some signs point to Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky starting on Sunday, there’s still a hint of doubt regarding his playing status heading into Week 13. And after sitting out the team’s Thanksgiving Day win against the Lions with a shoulder injury, there’s still a chance he could miss another game.
Here’s the latest from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, via David Kaplan:
The latest from Adam Schefter on Mitchell Trubisky: "If I had to guess I would say yes, he plays. But, I was also told he could miss another week. You play him only if he is ready to play."
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) November 26, 2018
Okay, so, no, Schefter doesn’t really stick his neck out with a prediction here, but it sure sounds like he’s hearing Trubisky will be able to give it a go against the New York Giants, doesn’t it? Maybe I’m being overly optimistic because I want to believe, but that’s my read of it. And also my hope.
Because despite an impressive effort by Chase Daniel in Thursday’s win, Trubisky has 2,469 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and a pretty nifty 97.7 passer rating this season. Prior to his injury, he was on pace for a 3,950-yard, 32-touchdown, 14-interception season. But while those numbers are legitimately fine and dandy, the Bears could proceed with caution (as they did with Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson) and give Trubisky another week of rest.
In the end, of course, it comes down to the health of Trubisky’s shoulder. If it’s right enough to deliver strong, accurate passes without risking any abnormal immediate or long-term concerns, he’ll be out there. But if Trubisky’s shoulder doesn’t test out well and could use another week of strengthening before he can really let loose, then he could (and arguably should) miss his second straight game – regardless of the standings.
Again: At least Chase Daniel showed enough in his Thanksgiving cameo to provide the luxury of leaning on the backup for a second straight game. With that in mind, it’ll be interesting to see how the Bears divvy up practice reps this week. Will Trubisky be a full participant or will the Bears list him as limited? I suppose we can’t rule out the possibility of him being a DNP and sitting out altogether, but it all remains to be seen.
The first injury report will give us a better idea of what his playing status will be on Sunday, but it won’t be out until Wednesday. Can we just press fast forward on this week already?
