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Bears HC provides injury update on Justin Fields
After dislocating his thumb in Sunday's game, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced Justin Fields is doubtful for Chicago's Week 7 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday.
Bears’ HC Matt Eberflus: said Justin Fields was diagnosed with a dislocated thumb and is doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 16, 2023
"There's no timetable right now," Eberflus said according to ESPN writer Courtney Cronin.
"It's really going to come down to grip strength and the natural swelling that occurs with this injury, so we should know more at the end of this week."
Sitting at 1-5 following their loss to Minnesota, Chicago brass may feel the Fields injury is a blessing in disguise. After taking over as the full-time starter for the Bears in 2021, Fields is just 6-25 in 31 career starts. In 2022 he went 3-12, with the Bears finishing with the worst record in the NFL.
Rather than choose one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 draft, Chicago decided to roll one more year with Fields and traded the first overall pick to Carolina for D.J. Moore.
2023 hasn't gone according to plan for either Chicago or Carolina, but that could end up benefiting the Bears big time in the near future.
As things currently stand, Chicago would own both of the first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft with apparently generational quarterback prospects in USC's Caleb Williams and UNC's Drake Maye. Not only would they have their pick of the two, but they'd be in the enviable position of being able to select another elite prospect at a position of need, or flipping the second pick to acquire a top-end weapon or protector for their new franchise quarterback.
Before his injury against the Vikings, it seemed as if Fields may be starting to figure things out.
In games against the Broncos and Commanders, he threw a combined eight touchdowns to just a single interception to go with 617 passing yards. If Fields continued to play at this level it would certainly result in a few wins, jeopardizing Chicago's chances at what could turn into an all-time draft haul.
If the Bears have decided internally that the time has come to move on from Fields, this injury could be a key moment in a season that has turned from hopes of contending for an NFC North title to yet another tank campaign.
More must-reads:
- Cautious approach the right one for Colts with QB Anthony Richardson
- Browns HC Kevin Stefanski gives status update on QB Deshaun Watson
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
TODAY'S BEST
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Had 1 Special Request For Teammates
The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten training camp underway, and it’s a very exciting time for all football fans. The 2025 season is getting closer by the day, and with players finally back on the field, the energy around the team is building fast. In Pittsburgh, that buzz is especially strong this year, largely because of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers brings experience, leadership, and championship expectations to a Steelers team that believes it can compete at the highest level. As he arrived at training camp, one moment quickly gained attention. According to ESPN Steelers insider Brooke Pryor, Rodgers had one special request for his teammates that he believes is critical to their success this season. To put it simply, it sounds as if Rodgers reportedly asked his teammates to fully commit to one another. He stressed the importance of trust, communication, and total buy-in from every player in the locker room. For Rodgers, it’s not just about talent or scheme. It’s about building a team that believes in the same mission and is willing to fight for each other every step of the way. "Aaron Rodgers had one request of his new Pittsburgh teammates: keep an open mind," Pryor said in her latest article for ESPN. "Rodgers asked his teammates to get to know him without any preconceived notions before making any judgments." When it was revealed that the Steelers were pursuing Rodgers, many fans quickly labeled him a diva or an attention seeker. Those types of criticisms have followed him for years, and while some of it might be fair to discuss, it doesn’t tell the full story. What Rodgers has shown in Pittsburgh so far has been quite the opposite. Since arriving at training camp, Rodgers has carried himself with leadership, professionalism, and humility. He didn’t come in expecting everyone to bow down to him because he’s a four-time league MVP. Instead, he made it clear that he wants to earn the right to lead this team. Rodgers has focused on building relationships and gaining the trust of his teammates. He understands that leadership is not something you demand, but something you prove through action and consistency. That attitude has already made a strong impression inside the Steelers’ locker room. For Steelers fans, this should be an encouraging sign. Rodgers’ mindset and approach could be a huge factor in helping this team reach its full potential in the 2025 season. His leadership may end up being just as valuable as his talent on the field. Mike Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. He feels that pressure and gladly totes those bags. He knows the pressure is on him to get a playoff win and make a deep run in 2025 now that he got Rodgers. Steelers' Will Howard Expected To Be The Biggest Winner From Aaron Rodgers Joining Pittsburgh One of the biggest winners from Rodgers joining the Steelers is clearly rookie quarterback Will Howard. Despite falling to the sixth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard enters the NFL with an impressive resume, having led Ohio State to a National Championship victory in the 2024 college football season. He consistently elevated the talent around him and carries a strong belief in his ability to grow at the next level. Now, Howard finds himself in an ideal situation. Not only does he get to learn behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he also gets a version of Rodgers who is motivated, focused, and eager to mentor. Rodgers has already made it clear that he plans to take Howard under his wing. For a rookie in Howard’s position, this is like hitting the jackpot. The opportunity to develop behind a future Hall of Famer who is willing to invest in your growth is rare. If Howard takes full advantage, this could be the perfect start to a long and successful NFL career.
Warriors still positioning themselves for Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster
Things have largely gone cold on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade front, but that does not mean teams are not thinking of the possibility of that changing. Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard noted that the Warriors are being cautious in negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, as he could be possible trade bait if Antetokounmpo is traded by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Warriors are adamant about not giving away Kuminga for less than his full trade value, which is why his situation remains unresolved with August looming. Kuminga and the Warriors have yet to agree on a contract, and it remains unclear when the situation will be resolved. He has a $7.9 million qualifying offer on the table, and signing it would allow him to approve any trade he is involved in. If he signs a multiyear extension, he would not be eligible to be traded until January, which could complicate things if Antetokounmpo decides late in the offseason that he wants a move. Presumably, Kuminga would be a key part of any trade the Warriors make involving Antetokounmpo. However, with no market materializing, there seems to be a growing chance he could remain with the team next season. The former No. 7 overall pick averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 steals per game last season. He appeared in 47 games, making 10 starts and averaging 24.3 minutes per game. However, he has been unable to consistently lock down a major spot in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, which reportedly led to some tension between the two last season. Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, still seems unlikely to be traded, but teams are still going to prepare for the possibility.
Oilers Reporter Unexpectedly Goes After Rangers Star on Social Media
Adam Fox is highly regarded around the NHL, but according to a stray from Oilers reporter Jim Matheson, he's not quite a top-five defenseman in the NHL. The rankings of defenseman around the NHL have become a major talking point in recent years, and while Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes are highly regarded as the top two defensemen in the league, beyond that, there's plenty of room for debate. Other names like Adam Fox, Zach Werenski, Rasmus Dahlin, Victor Hedman and Jaccob Slavin are all in the mix as well, but now, a top Edmonton Oilers reporter in Jim Matheson has made a ridiculous statement. When addressing a ranking that was brought up on social media, the Edmonton Journal reporter stated that Fox was absolutely not a top-five defenseman in the league, even if it's a widely accepted ranking at this point in time. Even in what was considered a down year on one of the NHL's most disappointing teams, Fox managed to put up 10 goals and 61 points in 74 games played along with a +9 differential, as he once again solidified himself as a top defenseman in the league. Of course, the duo of Makar and Hughes are head and shoulders above the rest, but over the past six seasons, Fox has been one of the most consistently brilliant players in the NHL, and whether the team struggles or dominates, he's in the middle of any success. Ultimately, Matheson is likely bringing up his feelings due to the 'disrespect' of Evan Bouchard, who many in Edmonton believe is a top defenseman in the NHL, but widely, he simply isn't, and that's led to Fox catching a surprise stray.
Report: Mariners to stay in the mix for Eugenio Suarez despite recent trade
The lead up to the MLB trade deadline is off and running, with the Seattle Mariners striking a move with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Some might have expected Eugenio Suarez, a former Mariner, to be heading back to his old team. Instead, it was first baseman Josh Naylor who was shipped off to Seattle. However, that doesn't mean these two teams are done dealing. MLB.com's Daniel Kramer reported on X that "Eugenio Suarez is still Seattle’s top priority and being aggressively pursued by the Mariners." Suarez, on the back of an All-Star selection, is one of the hottest names on the market. With an eye-catching 36 home runs, good for second place in the National League, and 87 RBI, a bountiful number of MLB contenders are fighting for his services. Before his stint with Arizona, Suarez compiled two seasons' worth of monstrous home runs with the Mariners. A fan favorite, Mariners fans have been raving about the possibility of bringing him back. Despite their haste in acquiring Naylor, the chances of importing his teammate alongside him remain high. At 34 years old, Suarez is at his peak and would greatly improve the slugging of the playoff-hopeful Mariners. The third baseman would take the place of rookie Ben Williamson at the position. Williamson has performed valiantly, but his contact bat doesn't bring the same run-producing stature as Suarez. For a club that loves to hit home runs, Suarez would be the cherry on top. With the team currently ranked sixth in the MLB in home runs (144), the power-hitter would upgrade the Mariners into one of the best slugging lineups in the league. Coming at a high cost, the risk would be worth it. Pairing up Suarez with a lineup featuring multiple All-Stars in catcher Cal Raleigh, center fielder Julio Rodriguez and left fielder Randy Arozarena would be frightening. The high-octane lineup would give the Mariners something to rely on as they push for the playoffs. The Mariners are currently in vigorous pursuit of the injury-riddled Houston Astros, trailing the AL West leader by five games. Consistent offense has been difficult to come by for the Mariners, leading to some troubling losses. With a locked-and-loaded pitching rotation, the Mariners have no time to wait to bolster the offense. Adding Suarez may be the piece they need to unlock a giant-slaying squad. As we inch closer to the trade deadline, which takes place July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, be on the lookout for the Mariners to punch another deal with the Diamondbacks.
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