NEWSLETTER
It must have been difficult for Mitch Trubisky to stand on the sidelines and watch Chase Daniel and the Bears carve up the Lions.
Sure, the Bears won and that’s what matters most. But it had to sting for Trubisky to be forced out of action after recently slicing up the Lions in one of the great all-time performances for a Chicago quarterback. But when Head Coach Matt Nagy made reference to the cautionary measures the team took to hold Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson out of games to get their health in order, it was the first sign the team was going to play it safe with its franchise quarterback.
With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Trubisky remains day-to-day (via Bear Report’s Zack Pearson) because of his injured throwing shoulder. We’re probably stuck with that being Trubisky’s status until the team starts practicing in preparation for its Week 13 matchup against the New York Giants. But if you’re looking for good news, a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport presented a more optimistic picture of the situation:
From @gmfb: The #Bears expect QB Mitch Trubisky (shoulder) back after just one week, but if not, Chase Daniel is ready. He's known since Monday he was starting today. pic.twitter.com/p0E3qvLGCw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2018
Rapoport reports Trubisky’s injury is a bruised shoulder and that had Thursday’s game been played as a regularly scheduled Sunday game, there was a “fairly good chance” the Bears’ starting quarterback would have played.
But still … the expectation here is that this bruised shoulder is an injury that will cost Trubisky just one game, but there is a possibility that it could linger. Rapoport notes that the injury isn’t believed to be one that will have long-term implications, and if Trubisky isn’t ready to roll in Week 13, it will be because of a lack of strength in the shoulder. Remember, Trubisky didn’t work it out at all during the lead-up to Thursday’s game against the Lions. Trubisky will likely need to show that his arm strength is back where it was before he gets the full send from his coaches.
That brings us to a way-too-early look ahead to a week from tomorrow. Should Trubisky be unable to go in Week 13, at least Chase Daniel showed the offense was in the capable hands of a competent backup. Because while Daniel doesn’t possess the athleticism or raw talent Trubisky owns, his knowledge of the system translated into smart decision-making and a textbook execution of a game plan that didn’t need to be scaled back because the backup was in the game.
I suppose the good news is that there is good news no matter how this unfolds. If Trubisky is healthy and ready to play ball, the Bears will return to the field as a team in sole possession of first place with their starting quarterback in tow. But if Trubisky isn’t ready to give it a full go, then they’re positioned to go to battle with a backup quarterback coming of a solid performance on a short week with minimal practice time with the first-unit offense.
No matter which way you slice it, the Bears are in a good spot entering Week 13. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the rest of Week 12 knowing that things are looking good for the Bears moving forward.
