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          Bears' Justin Fields still doubtful to play due to thumb injury

          • Courtney Cronin, ESPN Staff WriterOct 23, 2023, 02:09 PM ET
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              Courtney Cronin joined ESPN in 2017, originally covering the Minnesota Vikings before switching to the Chicago Bears in 2022. Courtney is a frequent panelist on Around the Horn and host of Best Week Ever on ESPN Radio. She also co-hosts The Chicago Bears Podcast on ESPN 1000. She previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News as a multimedia sports journalist.

          CHICAGO -- Bears quarterback Justin Fields is classified as doubtful for Chicago's Week 8 matchup against the Chargers, coach Matt Eberflus said Monday.

          Rookie Tyson Bagent, who won his first start Sunday in place of Fields, will be the starter until Fields is cleared to return from a thumb injury.

          Eberflus said there was "no change" with Fields' recovery from a dislocated right thumb, adding that "he's not there yet."

          The Bears coach reiterated that the team believes Fields will be able to avoid having surgery and a stint on injured reserve.

          Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown with a 97.2 passer rating in his first NFL start, leading Chicago to a 30-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. He became the first Bears quarterback to win his debut start since Craig Krenzel in 2004.