Are the Chicago Bears making the right decision to sit select starters vs the Colts?
The Chicago Bears have wrapped up back-to-back joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts. Matt Eberflus must have liked enough of what he saw over the last two days because he announced that Justin Fields and select starters will not play in the preseason game on Saturday.
I can understand guys like Yannick Ngakoue, Cole Kmet and DJ Moore not seeing any action. I can see Braxton Jones, Kyler Gordon, Eddie Jackson and Jaylon Johnson sitting too. However, there are some key players who better see some snaps. I'll be honest, I am on the fence when it comes to Justin Fields. I don't want him getting hurt, but also feel that he could use the reps. It will be interesting to see if he gets any playing time in preseason Game 3.
Should Justin Fields and select Chicago Bears starters play vs Colts?
Last season, Fields threw seven passes in both the first and second preseason games. He saw his most playing time in the third preseason game vs the Browns. That game, although preseason, made me think that Fields would come out strong in 2023. He proved himself in many ways but still has some work to do. If Fields is sitting for this game vs the Colts, then he better see some snaps vs the Bills in the team's final preseason game before the season starts.
Outside of Braxton Jones, I think the offensive line needs to see at least a series. Darnell Wright should probably see more than that. He only had seven snaps in the game vs the Titans. He is a rookie who hasn't proven enough to only see seven plays again. Injury risk comes to all players at any time, but players, especially young players, need reps. Wright played well in limited action vs the Titans, but he needs more game reps.
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To answer the question, are the Chicago Bears making a mistake benching Justin Fields and other select starters, the answer is dependent on who qualifies as a select starter. Certain veterans do not need to start, but first-year players and even a few second and third-year players should see some playing time.