Justin Fields was removed from the injury report and reinstalled as the starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears on Friday.
Fields cleared the required steps to return from a left shoulder injury, established by the Bears’ medical team and coaching staff, in time for a second matchup this season with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said this week Fields would play if he’s “100 percent ready” after Chicago turned to backup Trevor Siemian last week. Siemian was moved to injured reserve on Friday after opting for surgery to repair an oblique injury, Eberflus confirmed.
“It’s just progress. Mobility and strength,” Eberflus said of Fields’ progress. “He feels good. Had a good practice again (Friday). We’re excited where he is. … He feels like he’s 100 percent, ready to go. When you get your starting quarterback back, and he’s electric like that, obviously it’s a big boost in the arm.”
Fields has passed for 1,642 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games this season. He has scored seven touchdowns on the ground and ranks sixth in the NFL with 834 rushing yards.
The Bears (3-9) and Packers (4-8) entered the week with QB questions.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ribs) was unable to finish the Week 12 loss at Philadelphia, but he will start at Soldier Field this week after saying he improved throughout the week. He did not receive an injury designation on Friday.
Green Bay ruled out left tackle David Bakhtiari, who underwent an emergency appendectomy. Safety Darnell Savage (foot) is doubtful after leaving Sunday’s game against Philadelphia and not practicing this week.
Also, safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion), cornerback Kyler Gordon (concussion) and offensive tackle Larry Borom (ankle, knee) will miss the game for the Bears.
–Field Level Media