The Chase Daniel Show is about to get a second episode:
Despite #Bears QB Mitch Trubisky (shoulder) returning to practice yesterday, the team is planning for him to sit this week in favor of Chase Daniel once again, sources say. No surprise, given Matt Nagy’s comments. Trubisky could play right now but team wants to play it safe.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 29, 2018
Ugh. I hate Harrison Smith.
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reports the Chicago Bears are planning to start backup quarterback Chase Daniel for a second consecutive week in favor of Mitch Trubisky, who is still nursing an injured throwing shoulder. Trubisky missed the team’s Week 12 game on Thanksgiving due to the injury that was suffered on a late hit by Smith in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ win against the Vikings in Week 11.
It was somewhat of a pleasant surprise when Trubisky showed up on the Bears’ injury report as a limited participant yesterday, especially since Head Coach Matt Nagy said he wasn’t expected to practice at all, but forget the optimism, because it sure seems like we’ll be watching the Daniel show once again this Sunday.
Now, to be fair: Daniel performed admirably in Week 11, completing 27 of 37 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. He posted a 106.8 passer rating and did everything you could ever want a backup quarterback starting on short notice after a quick turnaround (including securing a win, of course). Perhaps Daniel will show a little something extra with a full week of practice reps with the first team and keep the Bears in it.
Despite Trubisky’s injury, the Bears (8-3) are in a good situation. They are sitting atop the NFC North standings and, thus, don’t have to rush their starting quarterback into the fray, desperate for a win. Instead, they can roll the dice with QB2, a well-rounded supporting cast on offense, and a top-5 defense in search of their ninth win of the season against the last-place Giants. There are worse situations. They’ll be okay. But also … hurry back, Mitch.