The 3-9 Chicago Bears will play the 4-8 Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in a Week 13 matchup. Here’s what you must know earlier than kickoff (midday, Fox-32).
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QB updates — on either side
Bears quarterback Justin Fields was restricted in observe Wednesday however returned in full Thursday and Friday as he continues to get better from a separated left shoulder.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is recovering from a proper thumb fracture from earlier within the season and a ribs harm that knocked him out of the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12.
The final time Rodgers performed at Soldier Field, he was yelling “I own you!” to bird-flipping Bears followers in a 24-14 Packers win. It was considered one of Rodgers’ 24 wins as a starter in opposition to the Bears with simply 5 losses. He has a 108.1 profession passer ranking within the rivalry, together with a 125-plus ranking in every of his final 5 video games in opposition to the Bears.
Fields mentioned Wednesday that it’s not about being 100% however with the ability to carry out as much as his requirements.
“There’s a few people in this league that are quote-unquote 100% (in Week 13),” Fields mentioned. “So I’m just going to go out there and if I feel like I can help my team win … and put points on the board, then I’m going to go out there and play.”
The Bears have misplaced 5 consecutive video games and eight of 9, however with solely 5 video games remaining, they’re working out of alternatives for Fields and the offense to make enhancements with an eye fixed towards subsequent season.
The Bears averaged 29.5 factors in a five-game stretch by means of the Falcons loss when Fields was injured, so issues had been trending upward. The passing sport stays very a lot a piece in progress, however the working sport with Fields concerned has been dynamic and dominant.
History lesson
Except for 2 years — 1922 and 1982 — the Bears and Packers have performed one another each season since 1921.
They are the 2 oldest groups in steady operation within the National Football League with a rivalry spanning 203 video games, together with two playoff conferences. The Packers maintain a slight lead within the collection with 104 wins to the Bears’ 95, with six ties.
Here’s a glance again, decade by decade, at how the groups have fared and the highlights — and lowlights — of their matchups.
The Bears have began 20 quarterbacks for the reason that Packers since 1992. That quantity will tick as much as 21 if anybody apart from Fields begins Sunday. On the flip aspect, simply three quarterbacks have began for the Packers in opposition to the Bears since ‘92 (Brett Favre began 32 video games. Rodgers has began 29).
Read extra eye-catching numbers earlier than the Week 13 matchup right here.
Injury information
The Bears positioned Eddie Jackson on injured reserve, chopping quick a resurgent season from the sixth-year security.
Jackson suffered a noncontact left foot harm within the second quarter of a 31-10 loss to the Jets. On Mike White’s 54-yard landing move to Garrett Wilson, Jackson was backpedaling when he slipped with no person round him. He limped off the sphere with out placing weight on his leg.
Jackson, who might be 29 in December, was having his most efficient season since 2018. He had 4 interceptions, six passes defended, two compelled fumbles and 80 tackles in 12 video games.
The Bears additionally positioned extensive receiver Darnell Mooney, who wants season-ending ankle surgical procedure, on injured reserve.
His harm leaves the Bears with out considered one of their most essential gamers as they attempt to make strides of their still-quiet passing sport. The 2020 fifth-round pick of Tulane had 81 catches for 1,055 yards and 4 touchdowns final season. He had 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns this 12 months.
“When you lose the production of those guys, number one, that always hurts and also the leadership part of it,” coach Matt Eberflus mentioned of Jackson and Mooney. “Those guys have been great in the locker room. They are great teammates. They really are encouraging to others and they really model the behavior we wish to see.”
Cornerback Kyler Gordon and security Jaquan Brisker haven’t practiced the final two weeks whereas within the concussion protocol and are out for Sunday. With Jackson out, the Bears once more might be skinny at security, at which veteran DeAndre Houston-Carson and rookie Elijah Hicks will begin. Cornerback Kindle Vildor additionally has been was restricted this week by an ankle harm and is listed as questionable.
Right sort out Riley Reiff was restricted in practices Thursday and Friday as he recovers from a again harm. But Eberflus indicated that Reiff continues to be in line to start out Sunday. Fellow offensive sort out Larry Borom, in the meantime, missed each practices didn’t observe this week with ankle and knee accidents and has been declared out.
Wide receiver Dante Pettis, who missed two practices this week with an sickness, was again as a full participant Friday and is evident to play.
For the Packers, left sort out David Bakhtiari underwent an appendectomy Friday and was dominated out for Sunday. Safety Darnell Savage (foot) is uncertain after leaving Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Eagles and never training this week. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (knee) and receiver Romeo Doubs (ankle) are questionable.
Miss something this week? Catch up earlier than kickoff.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com
