The Chicago Bears are feeling fairly nice after getting their fifth win of the year against the New York Giants. They don't have much time to enjoy it though. Just a few days separate them from another clash. This time on Thursday for a Thanksgiving rematch with the Detroit Lions. Except the tables will be turned this time around. The Bears fielded a backup quarterback last year with Chase Daniel. This time it will be the Lions in that role, except it might not even be the backup people expected.
Jeff Driskel was the man who'd been filling in for Matthew Stafford who is dealing with a debilitating back problem. Now even Driskel himself is in question for this week after suffering a hamstring injury in the loss to the Washington Redskins. He was limited in practice and doesn't have a lot of time to recover. Everybody knows that hamstrings don't heal as quickly as other injuries can. Given how important mobility is to his game, this is a serious development.
So much that there might be actual consideration to starting third-string backup David Blough. A 24-year old undrafted rookie out of Purdue.
Chicago Bears have even fewer excuses to lose now
Blough was originally signed out of college by the Cleveland Browns. He had an up-and-down first three years of college before having a strong senior season with 3,705 yards and 25 TDs with 10 interceptions. When it appeared he wasn't going to stick in Cleveland, the Lions executed a minor trade to bring him in and he made the roster. Of course nobody expected this scenario to actually come up but that is the NFL. Expect the unexpected. Especially when it comes to injuries.
Blough made an extended appearance in the preseason. He completed 25-of-43 passes for 271 yards, 2 TDs, and two interceptions. He also ran five times for 30 yards. That mobility aspect might be what convinces the Lions to roll with him despite the inexperience. Do they really want to trot Driskel onto that field where he's be a stationary target for Khalil Mack and that pass rush? Not the most advisable scenario. It will be interesting to see what the Lions do.
