Impact Per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com, Eberflus noted that there is "no change" in the status of No. 1 quarterback Justin Fields, who sat out the Week 7 win over the Raiders with a dislocated right thumb and is being classified as "doubtful" at the early stages of Week 8. Based on Eberflus' comments, Fields doesn't look as though he'll be available as even an emergency backup, leaving Nathan Peterman in the No. 2 role behind Bagent. The undrafted rookie out of Division II Shepherd managed the game effectively in the Bears' convincing 30-12 win over Las Vegas, completing 21 of 29 pass attempts for 162 yards and a touchdown while adding 24 yards on the ground and committing no turnovers. Because the Bears are likely to rely on a ground-heavy game plan once again Week 8 while limiting Bagent's opportunities to the throw downfield, the 23-year-old profiles as a low-end fantasy option in leagues that start two quarterbacks or have a QB flex spot available.
OCTOBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
