Bears' Justin Fields out, Nathan Peterman to start vs. Vikings

The Chicago Bears will turn to Nathan Peterman to start the team's season finale this weekend with fellow quarterback Justin Fields nursing a sore hip, coach Matt Eberflus said Wednesday.

"Justin Fields came in on Monday morning with a sore hip, which many times happens to players when they come in with soreness that they didn't anticipate to be like that. So we sent him to get an MRI on his hip, and that showed he had a strain," Eberflus said. "He's not going to be a full speed this week and the medical staff has ruled him out for this week. This is not a long-term injury, just so we know that."

Eberflus said the Bears' place in the standings didn't play a role in the decision -- and that Fields still would be spectator on Sunday if it were a playoff game.

As it stands, Chicago has long since been eliminated from postseason contention. The Bears (3-13) have lost nine in a row heading into Sunday's game against the visiting Minnesota Vikings (12-4).

Fields, 23, has completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 2,242 yards, with 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games this season. He also leads the team in rushing yards (1,143) and rushing touchdowns (eight).

Peterman, 28, has completed 3 of 6 passes for 25 yards and an interception in two games this season.

He has completed just 52.5 percent of his passes for 598 yards and three touchdowns, with 13 interceptions in 12 career games with the Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders and Bears.