Chicago Bears Just Officially Staked Their Claim For The #1 Pick

The Chicago Bears left the door open for the possibility that Justin Fields might not play on Sunday. Head coach Matt Eberflus has said constantly that the team is concerned about winning games. The quarterback would play if he's healthy. That last part proved crucial. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune began hinting that a change was possible with tweets about the possibility of Nathan Peterman or Tim Boyle starting. Sure enough, Eberflus made it official on Wednesday. Fields is dealing with a hip injury he suffered in the loss to Detroit. He will be shut down for the season finale against Minnesota.

Eberflus said it was a doctor's decision. They felt the hip strain was too severe to warrant letting the quarterback play. It ends what has been a painful season for Fields. He's taken a lot of hits this year, including 55 sacks. That doesn't account for all the bumps and bruises he took rushing for the second-most yards by a quarterback in NFL history. The one unfortunate part about this development is Fields won't be able to topple Lamar Jackson's single-season record of 1,206. He fell 63 yards short.

The Chicago Bears have no reason to apologize for this.

Some people will accuse them of tanking. It doesn't matter. There is far too much at stake in this game against the Vikings. A loss guarantees them the #2 overall pick. If the Houston Texans can beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, that would hand Chicago the #1 overall pick for the first time since 1947. GM Ryan Poles would have a premium opportunity on his hands. Either he could take the best player on his board, maximizing the chances of landing a star, or he could auction the pick off to the highest bidder seeking a quarterback.

Most fans would prefer the latter, knowing this roster is badly depleted in so many areas. Minnesota expects to play most of their starters on Sunday. It would be the ultimate stunner if they don't blow the Chicago Bears out. Peterman might be a good teammate, but he's not a good quarterback. Not even for a backup. There is a 90% chance the Bears lose this game. That means at least the #2 pick, guaranteeing them one of the best non-QB prospects in the class. The rest is up to Lovie Smith and Houston.