NEWSLETTER
When Justin Fields began the week practicing with limitations, I had a “here we go again” feeling that made me think of where he was last week. And when Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy told reporters Fields was “in the same boat as last week” when discussing the state of Fields’ health earlier today, I was under the assumption that we wouldn’t see Fields get any upgrades this week. Why would we?
But as someone who likes surprises, seeing Fields as a full participant in Thursday’s practice was a pleasant one.
As for the rest of the injury report, here it is:
Seeing receiver Chase Claypool join Fields as a full participant is also a sign of good news. As Patrick wrote yesterday, those two players need to start hitting it off. Not only does Claypool need to take advantage of the extra targets that should be coming his way with Darnell Mooney out for the year, Fields needs to find ways to get his most talented pass-catcher the ball. Perhaps getting an opportunity to do so against a porous Packers defense will get the ball rolling.
Safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Kyler Gordon remain in concussion protocol, which is keeping them from practicing. Quarterback Trevor Siemian, receiver Dante Pettis, and offensive lineman Larry Borom remain out due to their respective injuries. But at least Riley Reiff saw an upgrade in participation, going from not practicing to doing so in a limited capacity. Progress, no matter how small, still counts … right?
In the end, what matters most for the big picture is Fields’ progress. Even if it doesn’t mean Fields will play, his shoulder feeling good enough for a full practice is welcome news. Now … how about doing it again on Friday?
