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1st and North: Bears head to Detroit for showdown with Lions
The Chicago Bears sit at 3-7, and now head to Detroit to take on the Lions who are first in the NFC North at 7-2. FOX 32's Lou Canellis breaks down the coming week and offers his predictions.
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields will be back under center Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus said on Wednesday he plans to start Fields against the division-leading Lions.
"Our plan is to start him on Sunday," Eberflus said. "He continues to progress this week. Returning to practice today is going to be a big part of the evaluation."
Fields was sidelined for the past four games after dislocating his thumb in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie Tyson Bagent filled in for Fields and posted a 2-2 record with the club.
Fields has thrown 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season with a 61% completion rate. He has also rushed for one touchdown and 237 yards
A decision on Fields' fifth-year contract option is due next spring and the Bears can use this seven-week stretch to help decide if they want to go forward with Fields or possibly use one of their two first-round draft picks on a quarterback.
"I think seven weeks is enough time to show consistency and being the high performer that we expect him to be," Eberflus said. "I know he's had some good performances along this year, certainly the last few have been solid."
The Bears are coming off a 16-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers last Thursday.
Kickoff is set for noon in Detroit.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.