The Chicago Bears are set to square off with the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, November 9, at Soldier Field. But the big question heading into that NFL match: Is Justin Fields playing in Week 10 vs. the Panthers?

As of this writing, it remains unclear whether Fields can return to quarterback the Bears. During a team walkthrough on Monday, November 6, the 24-year-old play-caller remained limited. It has yet to be known if Fields could get clearance from a dislocated right thumb injury.

Fields incurred the injury on October 15 in a 19-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, ESPN reported.

According to Bears coach Matt Eberflus, they will assess Fields and his functionality to determine the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft's health status, the Associated Press reported.

"Guys coming off of injury, it always comes down to the medical staff clearing them, how the player feels he can function in the game, and then the coaches looking at it and say, 'Hey, yes, he could function at a high level and get the job done.' So it's always those three factors," Eberflus said.

"If Justin is there and is available and functional, we'll go with him," the 53-year-old coach added.

Bagent will have to do for the Bears

With the status of Fields still up in the air, Eberflus may have no choice but to turn to rookie play-caller Tyson Bagent.

The 23-year-old has started at quarterback for the Bears in their last three games. Bagent was at the helm when the Bears won over the Las Vegas Raiders before dropping the next two assignments to the Los Angeles Chargers and the New Orleans Saints.

In their loss to the Saints on Sunday, November 5, the former Shepherd Ram had four turnovers alongside three interceptions and a lost fumble, NBC Sports reported.

The Bears are -3.5 spread favorites to prevail over the Panthers, with the Moneyline set at -173 for Chicago and +146 for Carolina per USA Today.