Justin Fields is determined to return for Week 9 game vs. Saints

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields missed Week 7’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders with a dislocated right thumb that’s expected to keep him out of the lineup for Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, too. Coach Matt Eberflus hasn’t offered much information about when Fields will be back, saying instead that his grip strength will determine his return.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Fields is determined to grip the ball by Week 9’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Perhaps that determination is getting stronger because of the swell of momentum around undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent. The former Division II star was poised and effective in managing the Chicago Bears offense in their win over the Raiders, to the point there are some in the media already wondering whether he’s a better fit than Fields.

Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown in Week 7, and he has now completed 72.1% of his passes over the last two games (43 attempts).

Justin Fields, meanwhile, was knocked out of Week 6’s Vikings game after a sluggish start that’s left fans wondering if his dynamic performances against the Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders were a mirage. He threw eight touchdowns to one interception in those two games.

Fields should be the starter when he’s healthy. But it’s not as much of a lock as you may think. And it’s especially not a lock if Tyson Bagent has a big performance in primetime on national television against the Chargers.