Bears Quarterback Justin Fields Limited in Practice but Could Still Start Against Jets

Whether Justin Fields should take the field with a separated shoulder is a far livelier question outside the Bears' headquarters than inside it. On Thursday, the team's coaches and players treated his status as a matter to be settled by the medical staff rather than a subject for debate.

"If he's ready to go, he's ready to go. And if he's not, he's not," offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. He added that the team would follow the guidance of the medical team, general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus.

Getsy said he did not know whether Fields or backup Trevor Siemian would start against the Jets. He called it a non-issue, even though the two quarterbacks play in different styles that could shape preparation and play-calling. "It's like any position," he said, noting the team has faced similar situations at other spots and is ready for either outcome.

Fields separated his left shoulder, his non-throwing side, when he was hit late in the game against the Falcons. He was limited in Thursday's practice, though during the early portion open to reporters he appeared capable of playing the position. Guard Teven Jenkins said Fields is "preparing right now to be the starter this week," and praised the quarterback's unchanging work ethic.

Fields has a history of playing through injuries or recovering from them quickly. Still, with the Bears at 3-8 and in a rebuilding phase, exposing a player of his value to the Jets' pass rush carries clear risk. New York's defense ranks fourth in the NFL with 32 sacks and second with 81 quarterback hits.

Eberflus said that would not influence the decision. He described the Jets as having a very good front, a strong linebacker group and a capable secondary, and noted they rank in the top 10 in many defensive categories. "If he's ready, he's ready. That's not going to factor into it," he said.

Getsy said the call is not his to make. "Whatever they tell me, that's what I rock and roll with," he said. The uncertainty does force the Jets to prepare for two quarterbacks, but Getsy said it does not change how the Bears prepare. Siemian has been the backup all season and could enter at any moment, he said, and a known starter might only make the game plan more specific.

Siemian has started 29 games over eight NFL seasons, going 13-11 with the Broncos, 0-1 with the Jets and 0-4 with the Saints. His most recent start was a 31-6 loss with New Orleans against the Bills on Thanksgiving last season.

Filling in for the injured Jameis Winston last season, Siemian appeared in five games and posted an 86.0 passer rating, with a 57.2 completion percentage, 216.6 yards per game, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. He went 0-4 as a starter before Taysom Hill replaced him. Getsy said Siemian "played a lot of ball last year" and that such game experience "you can't replace."