Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky wasn't expected to play for the Bears in Week 5. On Friday, Chicago made that official, as the team announced he is ruled out for the London game against the Oakland Raiders.
Trubisky suffered a dislocated shoulder injury and “slight” labrum tear, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, early-on in Week 4's 16-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Backup Chase Daniel filled and will continue to do so for as long as Trubisky is out.
As reported by Schefter, Trubisky should be back “sooner rather than later.” After the Bears' Week 5 game, they will have a bye.
Daniel, the NFL's highest-paid backup, filled in nicely for Trubisky in Week 4, as he threw 22 for 30 for 195 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
“My mindset going out there this week is just calm and cool, same as it was when I came in off the bench,” Daniel said on Wednesday, per Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times. “I try not to do anything different. Just go out there . . . and just let it loose.”
Daniel now has the advantage of practicing with the starters — rather than the backups — leading into Week 5. However, he always has the mindset of a starter.
“I prepare every week like I’m the starter regardless of any circumstances,” Daniel said, via Lieser. “I think that’s why we were able to come in and move the ball a little bit on offense. Obviously, it’ll be good to get some live reps with these guys, but not much changes.”
The last time Daniel started a game for Chicago, he threw 26 for 39 for 285 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 2018 loss to the Chicago Bears.
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