Bears QB Justin Fields won't get chance to set NFL record

Although Chicago's Justin Fields is on pace to set the NFL season record for rushing yards for a QB, he will not play in Sunday's season finale, per a Wednesday report from ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Backup Nathan Peterman will start in his place. 

An MRI revealed Fields had a hip strain. The injury is not long-term.

"(Fields) is just not able to go full speed," Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said. "I asked him how it was today, and he said it's still real sore."

Fields has 1,143 yards rushing, 63 behind Lamar Jackson's all-time mark for a QB, set in 2019. Fields averages 76.2 yards rushing per game.

The decision to sit Fields, Eberflus said, was due to the QB's injury. His decision makes sense.

The 3-13 Chicago Bears were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. However, they are in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

If Chicago loses Sunday against Minnesota and Houston beats Indianapolis, the Bears would get the No. 1 overall pick.

Per CBS Sports' latest mock draft, the Bears are projected to select Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. with the second overall pick. He had 10 sacks and 24 solo tackles for the Crimson Tide last season. In 2021, he had 17.5 sacks.

Chicago has 20 sacks this season, last in the league behind the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders.