Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields Ruled Out For Week 18

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields was ruled out for Week 18 with a hip strain.

From NFL Now: #Bears QB Justin Fields impressive 2022 season is over. pic.twitter.com/S47z5jaaY3

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2023

Backup quarterback Nathan Peterman will start in week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Fields has been one of the most controversial athletes in the NFL this season. His running ability makes him one of the toughest quarterbacks to face. Chicago traded for Fields with the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He played college ball for him at Ohio State. Fields originally started at the University of Georgia before ultimately transferring to Ohio State.

His rookie season for Chicago was mediocre compared to this season statistically. In his rookie year, Fields didn’t even start the season. He started just 10 games and had a 2-8 record. He only threw for 7 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.

Fields improved dramatically this season, despite the fact that the Bears have the second-worst record in the NFL. Even in a low-volume passing offense, Fields has thrown for 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 starts. Fields also showed his ability to run to the highest degree. Fields leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards this season with 1,143.

It makes sense that the Bears would keep Fields out of the final game of the season. He’s been battling a few injuries here and there, so Chicago wants to be cautious around their star QB. The Bears are well-prepared for the future with a projected top-3 pick and plenty of cap space.

Another situation is that if the Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts and the Bears lose, then they would have the number one pick in the Draft. With Chicago set up with a quarterback, teams in need of one might be willing to pay dearly for that pick.

Depending on what Chicago does in the offseason, they appear to be set up at quarterback with Justin Fields.