Overview

• Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields returned to practice for the first time since dislocating his thumb in a game against Minnesota, but the upcoming Sunday's game against the Saints looks unlikely for him.
• Fields has started throwing with a glove as a way to cope with his injury and the pain he still experiences. His comeback largely depends on his grip strength and tolerance to pain.
• Fields' return for Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers appears a more realistic possibility compared to Sunday's game. Before his injury upgraded to doubtful, coach Matt Eberflus had declared Tyson Bagent to start the Saints game.
• Medical reports following his injury showed little damage, hence surgery was never considered, even though Fields' thumb was visibly bent out of position.
• Apart from Fields, the Bears will miss linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety Jaquan Brisker for the game against the Saints due to injury, but there is a likelihood of the return of starting left tackle Braxton Jones.