Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields Doubtful for Saints Game as He Returns to Practice Following Thumb Injury

Fields' potential return for Thursday game against Carolina seems more probable as he begins throwing with a glove at practice, depending largely on his grip strength and pain tolerance.

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.