Chicago Bears Signal Likely QB Plans With Latest Roster Move
Matt Eberflus didn’t give anything away during the week on the Chicago Bears’ plans for who starts at quarterback this Sunday. Justin Fields is nursing an injured shoulder, but reports indicate he is pushing to play despite the pain. Eberflus stated the team would only play him if they were sure he’s as close to 100% as possible. The decision could go right up to game time. Well, it appears the Bears have made their likely choice pretty clear with a Saturday roster move.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Bears elevated quarterback Nathan Peterman from the practice squad to their active roster. While there is still a chance Fields plays, it’s a safe bet the Bears wouldn’t have made that decision if he was going to. It feels more and more plausible that Trevor Siemian will start in New York against the Jets. It feels like the right decision. The Bears are 3-8 and out of the playoff picture. It makes little sense to risk their long-term future by exposing Fields to further injuries.
The Chicago Bears are being sensible if this is the case.
Yes, they want to win. Fields gives them the best chance to win. At the same time, Ryan Poles and Eberflus have made their positions clear from the start. They’re interested in winning over multiple seasons, not just one. A healthy quarterback is a primary key to that goal. Throwing Fields out there against a fierce Jets defense on a cold, hard MetLife Stadium turf would be an unnecessary gamble. Better to rest him for a week and bring him back when the Bears host Green Bay at Soldier Field.
Siemian is a veteran. He knows this offense well. He might not be the talent Fields is, but the Chicago Bears believe he is capable enough to help them in a pinch. This is exactly the situation he was signed for. He doesn’t have to be spectacular. New York has trouble scoring. If they can make this a defensive struggle, it will only take two or three good plays to steal the game. Besides, if the Bears lose, it isn’t such a terrible thing. It helps their draft position next year.