Pessimism regarding the Chicago Bears is at a season-high following last week’s disappointing loss to the rival Minnesota Vikings.
Not only did the team fail to match their offensive splendor that they displayed in Week 5, but the Bears also lost quarterback Justin Fields to a thumb injury that may keep him out a few weeks. Any hopes of a miraculous playoff run are all but dead, and questions are once again being raised about the future prospects of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, as well as Fields himself.
With so much ire polluting the air, it’ll be good to take a breath and look forward to next week’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The two teams have a surprising amount of connective tissue, from both starting signal-callers having various injury issues to a blockbuster trade that fundamentally changed the direction of their respective franchises.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of Bears vs. Raiders in Week 7.
1
QB Justin Fields is doubtful to play in Week 7
Fields recent two-game stretch of elite play was snapped in a home loss to the Vikings last Sunday, as the Bears signal-caller exited the game with what was later diagnosed as a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Head coach Matt Eberflus was coy when he was pressed on the issue in Wednesday’s presser, saying that he believes the team will have some clarity on the matter later this week.
His official injury designation is doubtful for Sunday’s game, and his chances of not missing any game time were slimmed even further when the Bears signed quarterback Trace McSorley to the practice squad as insurance. All signs point to Fields watching from the sideline, with his future in Chicago unclear.
2
Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent primed for first NFL start
Bagent was put the Bears fanbase on notice with his stellar preseason play, and it’s looking more and more likely that the undrafted rookie will get a full four quarters of NFL action for the first time. Fields is doubtful to play Sunday’s contest due to a dislocated thumb that he suffered last Sunday against the Vikings, and Bagent went under center.
Bagent’s performance was admirable in his limited snaps, leading a late touchdown drive to pull the game within one score. Although the Bears ultimately fell short to the rival Vikings, Bagent showed enough promise to retain his position as the number two QB.
A solid showing from the feisty rookie could create a previously unforeseen quarterback controversy in Chicago.
3
Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo questionable with back injury
Both teams may be without their starting quarterback in Week 7, as the Raiders’ Garoppolo is questionable after suffering a scary looking back injury in a Week 6 contest against the Patriots. His health has reportedly “been trending in a more positive direction” so it’s very possible Las Vegas will get a leg-up in the starting QB department on Sunday.
Former Bears signal-caller Brian Hoyer is currently slated as Garoppolo’s backup, but Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels opted to go with rookie Aidan O’Connell in a Week 4 game against the Chargers. It remains to be seen who McDaniels will decide to start in the event of Garoppolo’s absence.
4
The Bears traded for the Raiders' Khalil Mack in a blockbuster 2018 move
The Bears had dealings with the then-Oakland Raiders five years prior in 2018, when Chicago acquired All-Pro pass-rusher Khalil Mack in a blockbuster trade just a few days before the 2018 season started.
Chicago unloaded a treasure trove of draft picks to bring in the premier defender, including two first-round picks in 2019 and 2020. The Bears immediately made their new arrival feel right at home, giving Mack a six-year, $141 million extension.
Mack would go on to have a productive four years with the Bears, totaling 163 tackles and 36 sacks in that span. Mack would slowly degrade over the course of his Chicago tenure, forcing the front office to trade him before the 2022 season to the Chargers. The Raiders would use their two coveted first-round picks and take current All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, as well as cornerback Damon Arnette, who quickly flamed out of the NFL.
5
The Bears will face an old nemesis in Raiders receiver Davante Adams
The Bears defense is fully healthy after being banged up the last handful of weeks, and the complete unit will have a massive undertaking in covering All-Pro and former Packer Davante Adams, who knows a thing or two about burning Bears defenders.
Adams has done a career’s worth of damage against Chicago in his nine years in the league, compiling 81 catches for a staggering 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 career games against the Bears. Even after nearly 10 years of playing pro football, Adams has shown no signs of slowing down. The star pass-catcher had over 1,500 receiving yards and 14 TDs last year, and he’s 12th in the NFL in receiving yard this season.
6
The Raiders will be the third out of four teams the Bears will play from the AFC West
Chicago will continue their streak of taking on AFC West opponents this week after already playing Denver and Kansas City earlier in the season. Chicago have already lost to the division twice this year, dropping games to the Chiefs in Week 3 and the Broncos in Week 4. The Bears will once again play in two straight games against the AFC West, battling the Raiders at home this Sunday and traveling to sunny Los Angeles to go head-to-head with the Chargers next week.
