Is Justin Fields Injured Or Playing? Should I Start Tyson Bagent In Week 8 Fantasy Football?

One of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the NFL in the recent past is former Ohio State University standout, Justin Fields. The uber-gifted athlete has become a fantasy football owner's dream, but also at times, he can be a nightmare.

Fields, just 24 years old and only in his third season in the league, has struggled to stay on the field early in his career. He's not only battled injury concerns but also inconsistency, something that has frustrated Chicago Bears fans and fantasy managers alike.

As we approach the halfway point of the fantasy football season, owners are wondering about the status of the franchise QB. Will he play in Week 8 or will his backup, Tyson Bagent, play instead? Let's take a closer look.

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Is Justin Fields Playing In Week 8 Fantasy Football?

The Bears played without Fields in Week 7 and defeated the Raiders easily behind their backup Bagent. Head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed that Bagent would once again get the start this week versus the Chargers as Fields continues to recover from a dislocated thumb on his right hand.

Fields' injury was a hit to the already reeling Bears, with a timeline for a return within one to two weeks. However, the team is sitting at 2-5 and in last place in the NFC North, so there may be no reason to rush him back.

The speedy and elusive quarterback was certainly having a roller coaster season before getting hurt, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 1,201 yards with an interception, while also rushing for 237 yards and one touchdown. He really only had two very productive fantasy weeks, and those came in Weeks 4 and 5 versus Denver and Washington when he averaged 37.5 fantasy points.

Should I Start Tyson Bagent In Fantasy Football?

Fear not football fans, there might be something else special brewing in Chicago. Catching many by surprise was undrafted rookie Bagent, who led the Bears to an easy 30-12 victory over Vegas in Week 7. So, could he suddenly become fantasy-relevant instead of Fields?

Who is this Bagent character, and should fantasy fans rush to the waiver wire and pick him up? No. He played a solid first NFL game; however, he still has a lot to prove, and there are currently better options available.

Bagent will get the start in Week 8 on the road against a win-hungry Chargers defense that will be looking to feast on the rookie's inexperience. Yes, TB17 played well in his first game as a Bear, but he has a long way to go before he becomes fantasy-relevant, let alone anything close to TB12.

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