Bears quarterback Justin Fields to play Sunday against Packers

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is expected to start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers following the injury he sustained to his non-throwing shoulder in the previous game.

Fields participated fully in practice Friday for the second straight day, and his name was not included on the team’s final injury report. While he wasn’t present for the Bears’ 31-10 loss to the New York Jets last week, there’s a possibility he’ll play against the Packers on Sunday.

“If it keeps going the way it is the last two days, it’s a green light,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said.

Two weeks ago, Fields, who has been outstanding in his second season, separated his left shoulder and suffered ligament damage in his AC joint when he was tackled late in the game against the Atlanta Falcons. Prior to the New York game, he practiced on a limited basis and continued to do so on Wednesday.

“What it is, it’s just progress,” Eberflus said.

“Mobility and strength, you know, and then with the medical staff, they look at him. He’s gaining the mobility, strength. He feels more confident and it goes from limited to full. And that’s what happened. He feels good, had a good practice again today, so we’re excited about where he is.”

Despite that, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Chicago’s quarterbacks. After being injured during pregame warmups last week, Trevor Siemian will undergo season-ending oblique surgery, according to Eberflus. Nathan Peterman replaced him in the lineup after the Bears announced the veteran would start against the Jets.

With five straight losses, the Bears head into this week’s game. Moreover, they have lost seven consecutive games to Green Bay. The Bears’ offense could benefit from Fields’ return after struggling to maintain drives last week. Their previous five games averaged 30 points.

Fields ranks seventh overall with 834 yards rushing, the most among quarterbacks. His average yards per carry is 6.8, which is second in the NFL. However, leading receiver Darnell Mooney’s season-ending ankle injury last week will leave him without one of his top weapons.