Justin Fields will be out ‘however long it takes’ for grip strength to return

Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus provided an update Monday on quarterback Justin Fields’ dislocated right thumb, an injury he suffered in the third quarter of the Bears’ 19-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Eberflus said Fields has begun rehabbing and is doubtful for Week 7’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. His timetable to return is unknown.

Bears’ QB Justin Fields’ dislocated thumb is expected to keep him out, in the words of a source, for “however long it takes for swelling and stiffness to reside and strength to come back so he can grip a ball.”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 16, 2023

Eberflus emphasized grip strength as the determining factor for Justin Fields to get back on the field. He didn’t clarify whether surgery will be needed, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted that Fields isn’t expected to go under the knife.

No surgery is imminent for QB Justin Fields, sources say. The hope is for rehab to improve grip strength and for him to get back on the field when he can. Surgery would mean out indefinitely. https://t.co/1J7R6xgXBj

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2023

Tyson Bagent will start in place of Fields against the Raiders, and if he plays well, the Bears may decide to take their time with Fields rather than rush him back into the lineup in a season that’s already lost.

We’ll continue updating Justin Fields’ injury status as information becomes available.