Bears quarterback Justin Fields returned to practice Friday for the first time since dislocating his right thumb almost three weeks ago.
He’s doubtful to start Sunday in New Orleans — that role will likely belong to undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent — but Fields could be in line to start Thursday night against the Panthers. It would mark his fourth game since the injury; the Bears eschewed the idea of putting him on injured reserve, which would have forced him to sit out that game.
