The Chicago Bears have decided to play their starters in the preseason finale. According to Matt Eberflus, they will play about the entire first half, with some players getting longer work than others.
While we do not know exactly how snaps will break down, how should the Chicago Bears handle the QB position?
Justin Fields is likely going to get the entire first half, and that is fine. In his second year, but first in a new offense, he needs to get comfortable with the speed of the game. It will also be valuable to see him get a two-minute drill drive if Chicago can set that situation up.
The question from there is how the team will split up snaps in the second half. Will they just let Trevor Siemian take the entire half, knowing that he is set to win the backup job, or will they give Nathan Peterman the finale two or three series of the game?
It is easy to say that they should just play Siemian the entire second half, but there is some value to getting Peterman out there. One, it shows goodwill, something Ryan Poles has been pushing as GM. It is small, but things like preseason playing time can help get free agents and boost depth.
Beyond that, the team is likely going to keep Peterman on the practice squad. Fans do not like him, but he stays in the NFL long because his football mind is helpful in the meeting room. When you think that Josh Allen and Derek Carr improved after he was in the room with them, you cannot hate him being around.
With that in mind, if they get him some snaps, and let him put some work on tape he may feel more obliged to stick around the practice squad, knowing he is a part of the team.
Should we see Peterman at all on Saturday, or should the team just roll with Trevor Siemian?