Latest updates for Bears vs. Raiders Week 7 game

The Chicago Bears welcome the Las Vegas Raiders to Soldier Field in Week 7 in a game that has little-to-no implications on the 2023 NFL playoff race. Instead, the loser may be the biggest winner, as both teams could be in the market for a new quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Yes, I know. That’s not how we should view this game, and it’s way too early to suggest the Bears are already out on Justin Fields. Playing — and losing — for a better draft pick in Week 7 is borderline offensive. Fans should have higher expectations for a franchise.

Then again, we’re used to this.

Speaking of Fields, he’s “out” of the game this week while he recovers from a dislocated right thumb. It’s kind of a big deal, he can’t grip the football right now. However, he may not be out as long as we initially thought.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Fields could be back in time for next week’s Sunday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Few #Bears QB notes before kickoff:

*Justin Fields working toward return as soon as Week 8, per sources. Much depends on ability to grip football, which could take time, but Fields ‘determined’ to make quickest return possible.
*Tyson Bagent impressed Bears early with acumen,…

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 22, 2023

Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent will replace Fields on Sunday. He’s the main reason to pay attention to the game. How he performs could determine how much time Fields misses. If Bagent lights up the Raiders’ defense? Maybe coach Matt Eberflus will want to get another look at the Division II standout in Week 8.

There will be a large contingent of pro-Bagent supporters in the stands Sunday.

Speaking of backup quarterbacks, Brian Hoyer will start for the Raiders in place of Jimmy Garopplo. Hoyer started five games with the Bears in 2016. He went 1-4. Here’s to hoping he has similar success at Soldier Field against Chicago.

Experts Picks: Bears are big underdogs in Week 7

As for the NFL experts? They’ve submitted their picks to NFL Pick Watch, and the results aren’t great for the Bears. Over 80% of experts polled chose the Raiders. I think the results would be different if Justin Fields was in the lineup.

Catch up on what matters in this game with our coverage from the week:

Here’s how to watch, stream, and listen to Bears vs. Raiders
4 keys to a Bears victory over Las Vegas
Matchup to watch: Bears must stop Davante Adams

Come back to Bears Talk for all post-game coverage

We’ll have every angle of Tyson Bagent’s debut covered here on Bears Talk. Check back after the game.

We also have some exciting developments coming for the site. We’re getting a facelift. I can’t wait to share more details with you soon.