Bears' Justin Fields to Return From Thumb Injury vs. Lions After 4-Week Absence

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been removed from the injury report and will return to the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The third-year quarterback has missed the last four games with a dislocated thumb in his right (throwing) hand. The Bears went 2-2 without Fields in the lineup as undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent performed far more capably than anyone expected.

Fields has thrown for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns against six interceptions this season. Before suffering the thumb injury, he had eight touchdown passes in his previous two games and appeared to be on the verge of a breakout.

With the Bears potentially holding two top-five picks and Caleb Williams and Drake Maye looking like possible franchise quarterbacks, Fields' health is paramount. A year ago, Chicago traded out of the top spot in the draft to land several future picks and attempt to build around Fields.

The jury remains out on whether that was a smart decision. Fields will need to stay upright and perform well as the Bears not only consider whether to pick up the fifth-year option in his contract but also whether to spend another high draft pick on a quarterback in April.