There’s been some questions surrounding the future of the Chicago Bears quarterback position this season, namely concerning one question: Is Justin Fields the long-term answer?
That question remains unresolved, but head coach Matt Eberflus answered a question many fans were wondering Sunday afternoon.
Yes, Fields will return as the starting quarterback when he’s healthy.
Fields missed Sunday’s 30-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders with a hand injury. His backup, Tyson Bagent, played very well. The undrafted former NCAA Division II standout completed more than two-thirds of his passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.
But Eberflus made it clear Fields will remain the starter.
“Justin is our starting quarterback. Tyson’s the backup, he came in and did a nice job,” Eberflus said (via Pro Football Talk). “We don’t know where Justin is, we’ll see where he is, if it’s a week-to-week thing, we’ll assess it more tomorrow.”
Bagent did get a game ball after the win.
Tyson Bagent receives game ball in locker room.
Thanks players for having his backpic.twitter.com/CnRar0IpqF— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) October 22, 2023
Eberflus quickly put that question to rest. The Bears still want to see what they have in Fields. Is he the long-term answer at quarterback? Or should the Bears look to grab college star Caleb Williams (or Drake Maye) in next year’s NFL Draft?
Fans had mixed feelings about the decision on Fields.
Will Enerflus even still be the coach by then?
— Ⓜ️✝️🅿️ (@therealmtp1994) October 22, 2023
No grey area from #Bears HC Matt Eberflus on the QB plan moving forward:
Justin’s our starting quarterback. Tyson’s the back up-came in did a nice job. We don’t know where Justin is (w/injury) we’ll see where it is. It’s a week to week thing and we’ll assess it more tomorrow.”
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) October 22, 2023
What's he going to say at this point?
— The Retirement Stan (@RetirementStan) October 22, 2023
If eberflus wants to keep his job he needs to keep Fields out
— Archie Korvaac, Jr. (@korvaac) October 22, 2023
The Justin Fields cult will be happy to hear this
— Twilight Zone Resident (@TZR1776) October 22, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.