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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Alyssa Barbieri

Bear Necessities: Trevor Siemian ready to play vs. Jets, if needed

Bears quarterback Justin Fields’ status is questionable heading into Sunday’s game against the Jets, as he’s been battling a left shoulder injury. If Fields doesn’t suit up, backup Trevor Siemian will get the starting nod in Week 12.

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If that’s the case, Siemian is prepared to make his first start with the Bears.

“Every week you’re ready to go,” Siemian said, via ChicagoBears.com. “You anticipate to play every week, truly. That’s how you have to prepare to stay in it. It could happen the first snap. It could happen on play 62. You just gotta be ready to roll whenever your number’s called. No different than any other week.”

Siemian, who signed a two-year deal with Chicago this offseason, hasn’t gotten many reps with the starters in practice. But that’s always the case for the backup quarterback, and Siemian expects to go in there and play at a high level regardless.

“That’s how it is for a backup quarterback and that’s kind of the understanding when you come in,” Siemian said. “You’re the two, you got to be ready to play whether you get all the reps or none. The expectation is to play and play well.”

Fields has officially been deemed a game-time decision as he nurses a separated left shoulder. If Fields is able to play, the expectation is he’ll play. And even though the decision to play or not play Fields will happen right before game time, Siemian is ready amid a quick turnaround.

“Yeah, I think you kind of embrace it,” Siemian said. “I look forward to it. There’s no excuse. There’s no asterisk on the win-loss total or stat sheet. It’s something I look forward to, it’s challenge I accept. Like I said, if I got to play, I’ll be ready to go. That’s part of the deal being a backup.”

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