5 October 2023
The 0-4 Chicago Bears will play the 2-2 Washington Commanders on Thursday night at FedEx Field in a Week 5 matchup.
Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (7:15 p.m., Fox-32, Prime Video).
The Chase Claypool saga
During a news conference Monday that was at times tense and awkward, coach Matt Eberflus said the Bears asked wide receiver Chase Claypool to stay away from the team this week — and perhaps permanently — as they prepared for tonight’s game.
After the Bears informed Claypool he would be inactive for the Week 4 game against the Broncos, he was not in attendance at Soldier Field for the Bears’ 31-28 loss. Confusion lingered about whether he opted to stay away or was told to by the team.
Now, it seems, the Bears are weighing more significant separation scenarios, hoping to either trade the fourth-year wide receiver or possibly waive him to cut their losses.
Bears WR Chase Claypool didn’t attend the game at Soldier Field
Breakthrough for Bears offense?
The Bears started Sunday’s game against the Broncos how they always want to. Straightforward concept. Crisp execution. Positive momentum. Stack the completions from there.
Two in a row for Justin Fields. Three in a row. Four.
Five in a row, six.
By the end of three quarters, Fields had misfired only once in 24 attempts — on a Hail Mary to end the first half — and had thrown for 285 yards and four touchdowns.
Yes, the Bears frittered away a 28-7 lead in a gut-wrenching 31-28 loss. And, yes, Fields’ two fourth-quarter turnovers were a huge part of that story.
But for the first time in forever, the passing offense seemed alive.
“I do think we took a step closer in finding our identity as an offense,” Fields said.
5 things we learned from the Bears, including Justin Fields’ increased confidence and his reaction to the Chase Claypool situation
Column: On a career day for QB Justin Fields, the Bears seemed to be on the verge of an important breakthrough. Until they weren’t.
‘He’s like a football relic’
Tonight’s game will be the 256th in Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis’ 18-year NFL career. Jason Witten (271) and Tony Gonzalez (270) are the only tight ends with more games — and if the 39-year-old Lewis remains healthy and finds a job next season, he could surpass both.
It’s not the money at this point that drives Lewis, who reinvented himself as an elite blocker after starting his career as a pass-catching threat. He goes through a meticulous daily workout and recovery regimen to prepare his body to be ready every Sunday — or, in this case, Thursday.
“I love the game,” he said. “I’m just trying to take advantage of everything that I have mentally and physically while I have it. I don’t ever want to be at home watching ball and wishing that I could be out there.”
Miss anything this week? Catch up before kickoff.
Bears Q&A: Can Justin Fields solidify himself as the future starter? Could he be traded? What was with the 4th-and-1 call?
True or false: The Bears will go a year without a win. Matt Eberflus is on the hot seat. And his 4th-and-1 decision was understandable.
3 things we learned from the Bears, including Teven Jenkins being designated to return from IR
The Bears are in a tailspin with no end in sight. Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the soul-crushing Week 4 loss.
Anatomy of a 21-point Bears collapse: A controversial Matt Eberflus decision, two Justin Fields turnovers and big Russell Wilson moments
Column: The MLB postseason faces a Swiftian ratings challenge — going head to head vs. new NFL icon Taylor Swift
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